Panama's education minister links school violence to societal problems

Panama's Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, stated that school violence and bullying reflect broader societal issues, emphasizing that the education system alone cannot solve the problem. Her remarks came a day after a 17-year-old student was wounded with a sharp object during an altercation at the Instituto Profesional y Técnico (IPT) in Colón.

The injured student received medical attention at the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital. The National Police indicated that another student from the same school is allegedly linked to the assault. "This is a reflection of the society we are all building. That aggressiveness with which we act, that violence that exists in homes, cannot pretend that children act differently," Molinar told reporters when questioned about the recent school violence incidents.

“

This is a reflection of the society we are all building. That aggressiveness with which we act, that violence that exists in homes, cannot pretend that children act differently.

Molinar explained that the Ministry of Education is implementing programs and collaborating with the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Security. However, she reiterated that institutional efforts would be insufficient without a societal shift. "We cannot do it alone. Authorities can plan and implement everything, but if we as a society do not stop and act differently, we will achieve nothing," she asserted.

“

We cannot do it alone. Authorities can plan and implement everything, but if we as a society do not stop and act differently, we will achieve nothing.

When asked about measures to prevent such incidents, particularly in Colón, where multiple student aggressions have been reported, Molinar suggested that isolating students involved in violence does not address the root cause. "We have to attend to all these children. But these children come from the same homes, where at a certain point they are taught how to react," she stated.

Molinar also addressed her potential summons to the National Assembly to answer questions on educational matters. She claimed there were misunderstandings regarding her previous absences, citing irregularities in some of the official requests for her appearance, including issues with the subject matter and scheduling conflicts.

“

We have to attend to all these children. But these children come from the same homes, where at a certain point they are taught how to react.