Kingston, Jamaica
August 21, 2024
Guidance Counsellors are joining the call by RISE Life Management Services to have the subject of underage gambling prevention as part of schools’ curriculum.
Mr. Ian Grant, guidance counsellor of St Andrew Technical High School and a participant of the recent underage gambling prevention seminar by Rise Life, is insisting that the programme should be part of the curriculum as it is transforming the way the student population in general, and those at risk in particular, think and see themselves. ‘It is one of the greatest things we’re doing for them,’ he says, as he praised programme sponsors the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) for the organization’s social awareness and responsibility.
‘It’s making a difference,’ he says, ‘more so in the long run – and certainly for a more wholistic approach, the BGLC should be joined by other organisations to treat childhood addiction.’
“The BGLC firmly supports the integration of underage gambling prevention into school curricula”, says Vitus Evans, Executive Director of the BGLC. “Protecting our youth from the risks associated with gambling is crucial for fostering a healthier and more responsible future generation. We are committed to working alongside educators and our partner Rise Life Management Services to ensure that our children are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions.”
Programme Manager of Rise Life Management Services, Mr. Richard Henry, in calling for the programme to be part of the curriculum, notes that this should indeed be done as the thrust of the prevention programme is to keep those students who are not gambling, away from gambling. In addition, Rise Life Management is also seeking to engage Teachers Colleges to address the issue before counsellors enter the teaching profession. “Counsellors would be more enabled and equipped, to meet the challenges,” says Henry.
Head of the Guidance Counselling Unit of St George’s College, Ms. Lorrie-Ann Vernal, is championing the call for the programme to be part of schools’ curriculum but notes that schools, more increasingly, will have to accept that childhood gambling is an issue.
“Given the school environment and the very aspirations, there are schools in denial – just to save face…which really does not help.,” says Vernal.
The training seminars, according to St Andrew Technical guidance counsellor Grant, are quite enlightening, and in participating for the first time in the two day session for Region One schools of Kingston and St Andrew, there was, for him and others, a greater understanding of the nature of the problems. ‘It is not,’ he says, ‘something in isolation.’
‘It is a need in all schools and should be mandatory for all counsellors – and it should be ongoing. It can’t be a one-off thing – and it’s especially needed at the beginning of a school year.’
For further information contact:
Wendy Robertson
Manager, Corporate Affairs & Communication
Betting Gaming & Lotteries Commission
78cef Hagley Park Rd; Kingston 10
Em: wendy.robertson@bglc.gov.jm; Cell: 876-552-9977
