MANNIN/ISLE OF MAN: SERVICE RECRUITMENT IT IS JUST NOT A CAREERS OPTION

The Isle of Man Department of Education seem to be 'on the back foot' somewhat on the issue of recruitment by the UK Armed Forces in Manx schools. Earlier this month the Celtic League criticised the practice echoing strong concerns voiced recently by the Manx Nationalist Party, Mec Vannin.

The Departments position up to this week has been to defend the practice. However there seems to have been a subtle change of emphasis when this week a Department spokesperson told Island media that they did not actively promote recruitment, saying that the Department of Education doesn't agree with the suggestion that schools in the Isle of Man actively promote UK Military recruitment. He said:

«We have careers conventions but I wouldn't call these recruitment conventions... We also have within schools careers lessons which inevitably allow students to explore a range of possible areas...»

However, the Celtic League are not impressed by such subtleties. The active promotion of recruitment of children into armed services is both morally wrong and questionable in terms of International law.

Bizarrely, whilst the British Armed Forces are actively encouraged to set out their stall in Manx schools in many parts of the United Kingdom both education authorities and teaching bodies have made it clear that they are not welcome.

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J B Moffatt

Director of Information Celtic League

27/09/08