At the annual Thanksgiving Service hosted by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Education, Education Minister Daryl Matthew has delivered a direct and impassioned appeal to young people across the nation, urging them to stand firmly against violence, foster a culture of mutual respect, and embrace greater personal responsibility for caring for their peers.
Matthew’s message to the nation’s youth was clear and concise: “Look out for one another. Stand against violence. Choose respect.” This call to action came as the ministry kicked off its 2026-2027 academic year under the overarching theme “Colouring Outside the Lines: Empowering and Transforming Students, Building Safer, Stronger Communities Together.”
Beyond addressing students directly, the minister emphasized that building safer, more resilient communities is a collective effort that cannot be shouldered by education authorities alone. He stressed that meaningful progress requires active engagement from schools, family households, local churches, government agencies, and every segment of the wider community. The Ministry of Education and individual campuses lack the capacity to create safe learning environments in isolation, he argued, making cross-sector collaboration non-negotiable.
At the core of Matthew’s address is the fundamental belief that every child has an inherent right to learn in a space where they feel secure on physical, mental, and emotional levels. “Every child in our country deserves to walk through the gates of a school and feel safe,” he stated. The minister expanded on this idea, noting that protecting youth means shielding them from bullying, pervasive fear, and other harmful societal pressures that can derail their development. When students feel safe, he explained, they are far better positioned to focus on learning and reach their full academic potential.
Matthew also issued a direct challenge to parents across the nation, urging them to move beyond passive involvement and take an active role in their children’s educational journeys. “I invite every parent to be a partner and not a spectator,” he said. Alongside this call for parental engagement, the minister also encouraged local churches and community organizations to partner with schools and offer mentorship opportunities to young people, guiding them through the challenges of growing up in an increasingly complex world.
Reflecting on what makes strong communities, Matthew argued that their foundation lies in intentional relationships and consistent, everyday investment in the lives of children. This includes teachers paying close attention to students who may be struggling with personal or academic challenges, neighbours checking in on at-risk youth, and parents prioritizing consistent presence in their children’s lives. “Strong communities produce strong children,” Matthew said, “and strong children ultimately become the leaders the country needs.” This closing remark framed the collective effort to build safe learning environments as an investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s long-term future, positioning today’s youth as tomorrow’s decision-makers and community builders.