Biblical Streets: 'The children don't know how to play'

For almost 30 years, Newby White has dedicated herself to early childhood education in the west Kingston community of Matthews Lane. Hundreds of children have passed through her hands at Glenford Phipps Memorial Basic School.

"There is just something that keeps me coming to this institution every schoolday. I have a passion for the people of Matthews Lane. I feel proud, really proud, because a lot of my students are doing well in their lives, and things like that really warm my heart," she said.

However, White, who is the current principal, told THE STAR that she is concerned about the negative traits that some of the youngsters have been portraying.

"A lot of these children don't know how to play. There are times when we will give them toys to play with and you see them 'making guns and firing shots at each other'. They are just demonstrating what they see and hear around them," she said.

White said that she looks forward to the day when the community becomes transformed into a place anyone would want to call home.

"I would like to see the Government find or provide some activities, not only for the kids, but for the parents as well. Matthews Lane is a community that can build, you know. The housing system and the entire infrastructure can be improved," she said.