Eradicate sexual violence at school now
Educational institutions must seriously look at the alarming spate of sexual violence against school going children.
It is compelling though that the teachers, just as the rest of society, should provide an enabling environment for up and coming generations in the enhancement of peace, progress and development.
Sexual violence at schools is no longer new at all; almost certainly, it is taking new forms and dimensions nay distracting the attention of particularly young girls from achieving quality education.
It is true that countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia etc, have experienced wars, but pays little attention to practically eradicate the cancer of sexual violence that is spreading in our educational institutions across the continent of Africa.
Allow me to draw referential thoughts to the case of a 10 year old primary school girl at Lungi, who regrettably and forcefully was raped by a 35 year old teacher.
It was discovered later that the poor little girl was pregnant and there was no way she could continue with her education.
Of course, investigation is reportedly ongoing, but what is most unfortunate is that the girl has been abused and her education is stalled completely.
It was deliberate that I cited the Lungi incident.
And for Government to eradicate sexual violence at schools, it must introduce the principle of ‘zero tolerance and put uncompromising measures against teachers found culpable of such an offence.
No doubt at all, it enforced, it will surely serve as restriction to future occurrences.
It is but compelling that Government has to be proactive and must ensure that sexual violence is put to halt unrestrained.
But why having unfortunate happenings in our schools today. The causes for sexual violence are many and varied, stemming from homes, communities, government, who are sole providers of education, the schools, then the learners etc. All as mentioned above do have a role to play in shaping the bad characters of teachers and children or students.
These unpleasant developments certainly have a relation with the kind of support, or attention government and other education stakeholders are giving to education in the country.
With poor school infrastructure, poorly paid teachers who are to build the minds of the pupils, non payment or sometimes late payment of fee subsidies needed to run schools etc.
If education is a sure vehicle for peace and development in any country, all education stakeholders must do something to curb this unfortunate act in our schools.
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2011, https:. All rights reserved.
