nptaj agrees on mandatory Christian devotions


The National Parent Teachers' Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) says it has now agreed that Christian devotions should continue to be mandatory in public schools.


However, the association's president, Everton Hannam, says it is still his personal view that schools should not make it compulsory.


Last week, the NPTAJ said it was undecided on devotions being mandatory after Education Minister Ronald Thwaites announced his support for compulsory religious and mainly Christian activities in schools.


Hannam says the NPTAJ understands that the society is still largely engaged in Christian practices.


special areas


Meanwhile, the NPTAJ head says the education ministry should consider having schools establish special areas where students can be allowed time to observe their religious faiths.


Hannam is cautioning parents and children to take into consideration a school's culture before deciding to attend.


About 40 per cent of Jamaica's schools are either owned or sponsored by a Christian denomination.


Youth development and human rights advocate Jaevion Nelson has argued that devotions in schools are problematic, claiming that it's impossible to cater to all beliefs and the many Christian perspectives.



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