Education Minister Daryl Matthew is urging students across Antigua and Barbuda to reject violence, show respect and take greater responsibility for looking out for one another.

“Look out for one another. Stand against violence. Choose respect,” Matthew told young people during the Ministry of Education’s annual Thanksgiving Service.

The minister said creating safer and stronger communities requires the involvement of schools, families, churches, government and the wider community, stressing that neither the Ministry of Education nor individual schools can accomplish the task alone.

Matthew said every child should be able to enter a school and feel safe physically, mentally and emotionally.

“Every child in our country deserves to walk through the gates of a school and feel safe,” he said.

He said protecting children also means shielding them from bullying, fear and other pressures they encounter in society, adding that children who feel safe are better prepared to learn.

Matthew also challenged parents to take a more active role in their children’s education.

“I invite every parent to be a partner and not a spectator,” he said, while also encouraging churches and community groups to work with schools and mentor young people.

The minister argued that strong communities are built through relationships and everyday involvement in children’s lives, including teachers recognizing when students may be struggling, neighbours checking in and parents being present.

“Strong communities produce strong children,” Matthew said, adding that strong children ultimately become the leaders the country needs.

The Thanksgiving Service was held under the Ministry of Education’s 2026-2027 theme,

“Colouring Outside the Lines: Empowering and Transforming Students, Building Safer, Stronger Communities Together.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Education Minister Calls on Antigua and Barbuda Students to Stand Against Violence.