Reply To: Cause For Teens At Risk?

I totally agree that the yeshiva system MUST be revamped, both boys & girls schools. 1-kids these days have a lot of hashkofa questions. There has to be someone to answer them correctly. Why don’t the schools have someone like Rabbi Daniel Mechanic or Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein come once a month (maybe Rosh Chodesh) to have question/answer bull sessions? 2-why aren’t are kids inspired to do chessed? why can’t boys pack Tomchei Shabbos packages Thursday afternoons, or go to the nursing homes every once in awhile? I heard that one of the principals in a boys yeshiva when asked by the parents why the boys (especially those that dont excel academically) cant have chessed projects, was told “chessed is for girls, not for yeshiva boys! 3-I think that we need a little change of curriculum especially in yeshivas- why cant they learn alot more practical halacha-teach every day meaningful things like shmiras haloshon, kashrus, etc. 4-We need to see that kids these days are constantly seeking- seeking for answers, gratification, attention, satisfaction. Yes they are needy but its a different world than 20-30 years ago and we must start dealing with the issues before we lose more children. Each issue CAN be dealt with. 5-I think its time for all schools to realize that each child was created uniquely and just because he/she is not academically inclined doesnt mean the schools cant find a way to challenge/motivate them. There are many programs to teach teachers/mechanchim how to teach these students using different tools (using visual aids or even mp3 players/ipods). we have to reach and find something in each child. Each one can/should feel like they can excel in something. Why dont the yeshivas teach a little of a trade-boys can learn carpentry, painting, plumbing, photography-trust me, these are better life skills than science and social studies. And also, why does there have to be a test attached to every subject- The information would stick much better if they werent so busy cramming for the test. The atmosphere at home would be much more relaxing, too.