Our schools are institutions for learning, character building, social, physical, spiritual and cultural enrichment. Briefly, this holistic approach to education should bring forth virtuous and diligent citizens for our nation.
However, children, being who they are, are susceptible to succumb to peer pressure and negative forces of society. It is at this stage that they really need society’s support to teach, guide and mould them in the right direction.
It is for that reason that the Ministry is looking at fresher perspectives to effectively counter indiscipline in school.
Thus, the Ministry is strongly discouraging the expulsion of students from any school. Generally, expellable offences used to include drinking, bullying, use of illicit drugs and substances, sexual offences and assault.
It must be realised that when students are expelled from school, we are cutting off their chances and opportunities in life.
At a very crucial time when the Ministry of Education is tapping on all avenues to retain students at school so that they successfully complete their 12 years of basic education, it cannot afford to drop students out of school because of indiscipline.
As such, it will make sure that reform systems are in place for students to remain in school.
A counselling system, which will involve the student, teacher/counsellor and parents, will be put in place to rope in students’ common points of contact in this critical reformation/rehabilitation process.
Teachers will also be trained on counselling skills so that they are well-grounded to tackle indiscipline problems at school.
With such a system in place, all students with indiscipline problems will remain at school, and will undergo special counselling sessions in the presence of his/her parents.
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Mr Filipe Bole