The scholars and sociologists tell us barbarism is on the rise worldwide, and a little part of it manifests itself daily in our school system where indiscipline is a growing problem. The solution most offer is punishment, but while that may be the tried and tested approach, a new program at Ladyville Technical High has a new solution and that offers discipline by teaching it, not beating it in. Keith Swift found out if it works.
Keith Swift Reporting,
In the military this tent is called a "Basha" which is basically a tent made out of a military raincoat which is essential for life out in the field. And these young cadets are learning to tie it up as part of their military experience. They are students from schools in the Ladyville area who are sharing in the experience. It's practical instruction which teacher Neibert Robinson hopes will put them on the straight and narrow path to discipline.
Neibert Robinson, Teacher - Lady Technical
"I notice that there is a disciplinary problem throughout the high schools in our country and I vow that at whichever high school I end up teaching this year, I would establish this program. Since I am Ladyville Tech I realize that we have extreme situations there in terms of so with the help of the other people who encouraged me I established it."
So Robinson formed the Ladyville Technical Cadet Corp and turned to their next door neighbor - the BDF at Price Barracks in Ladyville. The BDF stresses that this is a military experience and not military training though these cadets are being drilled and grilled and on the basics of life in the army. The BDF's Corporal Randy Avila is leading the experience.
Cpl. Randy Avila, BDF
"Basically we teaching how to construct different tent shelters we use when operating in the fields."
KS: How hard is it working with them? Are some of them hardheaded?
Cpl. Randy Avila, BDF
"They become discipline very easily; most of them. They already have a lot of manners, very discipline, we haven't had any problems with any of them yet."
KS: How is this different from when you are training adult soldiers?
Cpl. Randy Avila, BDF
"Well a bit difficult because most of them are too young so we need to spend more time teaching them so they can grasp the material that we are trying to pass to them."
And these 18 cadets ranging in age from 12 to 16 who signed up for the cadet corp voluntarily say "bring it on" because the experience makes them better.
Donovan Pratt, Trainee
"This shows us how to behave well and know what we are doing."
Arnold Agallo, Trainee
"Its fun and also involves a lot of work with it as well."
KS: So why did you decide to join?
Arnold Agallo,
"Basically cause then it teaches you self-discipline as well as in getting high grades in school."
Neibert Robinson, Teacher - Lady Technical
"Every military person can tell you this, military training on a whole sharpens the intellect. That much I can tell you because I have served and I know and the fact that they are getting military training will definitely show in their school work."
And Robinson hopes after their time at price barracks his cadets won't only know how to tie up this "Basha" but they will also be sharper in the classroom.
The military experience ends on Wednesday.