Education Minister Fayval Williams has outlined that a psychosocial programme primarily geared at targeting fourth form students will be introduced as a means of combatting the surge of violence in schools.

This strategy, as outlined by Minister Williams will be used as a guide in fostering development throughout this critical tenure of their lives.

The declaration was made by Minister Williams during yesterday’s sitting of the Sectoral Debate held last evening.

During her contribution, Minister Williams further posited that the upsurge in violence since the resumption of schools on March 7, has prompted the ministry to employ drastic measures to curb this phenom.

“Having come to this understanding, we commenced an intervention and will continue this during the month of April. Schools have the flexibility to replicate and adapt to the concept as the need arises. Limited academic classes will be held in those two weeks, we want to focus on providing psychosocial support to our fourth form students, our grade 10 primarily to help them through this period ”Minister Williams explained.

“Schools resume searches of our students upon entry and randomly throughout the day, we’ve also given schools a safety and policy document and we expect that schools will abide by the procedures especially as they relate to searches ”she added.

Other policies as underscored by the Minister includes the installation of CCTV cameras in some schools to improve their safety and security.