The Education and Manpower Bureau organized a workshop on Monday with Yarrow and will organize another tomorrow for 200 teachers, to help them use a curriculum developed by Yarrow's Operation Respect, a non-profit group he founded in 2001.

The aim of the study materials, called ``Don't Laugh at Me,'' is to teach students to be respectful of others in an environment free of ridicule.

``Children growing up today are exposed to many troubled perspectives. They are not being given role models that will allow them to become caring and loving. They are frequently given messages that the real answer is making money, success and power,'' Yarrow said.

The idea seems right in keeping with the kind of songs made famous by Yarrow and his bandmates when sold-out audiences worldwide gathered to sing along with anti-war anthems like Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

The theme song of the project, also named Don't Laugh at Me, written by Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin, urges students not to take pleasure in hurting others.

On Monday night 2,700 parents, students, teachers and local musicians attended a concert featuring Yarrow in Queen Elizabeth Stadium.

Yarrow said students everywhere need to cope with pressure in positive ways.

The singer said he believes that teaching children to be respectful is the key to tackling most social problems, including school bullying and domestic violence. ``The basis for all social problems is connected to respect,'' he said.

``Do you think if children grow up to be respectful, they are going to damage the environment and take away the natural resources and destroy the ozone layer? No, because they will respect each other.''

He says child education is important because it is difficult to change the attitude of adults.

``Before a child learns prejudice, we can get them to appreciate others,'' he said.

Music is attractive to children and provides a relaxing environment, helping them to express their views and emotions, he said.

Student Sabin Sanwar, 11, said he hoped schools can promote harmony in the classroom and the playground.

``There are students teasing others. I hope this will never happen again,'' he said.

And 10-year-old Eloise Devera said she feels sad when her schoolmates are bullied.

``It is interesting to learn the importance of being respectful through singing songs,'' she said.

teddy.ng@singtaonewscorp.com