When are these heinous acts of violence on our children going to stop? What measures should we, as a nation, take to stop such vile deeds? What can schools do to prevent such abhorrent actions?
These are a few questions, which need immediate answers as we need to act NOW so that we can weed out these degrading acts of violence on our children.
For a start, schools must step up their security operations and in that regard, all teachers must be at school before time and teachers on duty must make round checks to ensure everyone is at the right place; no one should be loitering around the school compound. Regular monitoring of attendance must be carried out at the beginning of each class.
If the ablution blocks are a distance from the classroom, it is suggested that students be accompanied by a classmate. Children should also be wary of those overly affectionate and generous people, who would lure kids with gifts and other goodies. Research has shown that these are possible signs of people who are very likely to be child abusers.
Moreover, children should be reminded that nobody becomes their relative or friend overnight, and everyone should keep an eye on people who would make such approaches. Children should learn to be bold and report all cases where there is a likelihood of sexual advances or signals by strangers or even those that they know.
Finally, the Ministry calls on all stakeholders: parents, teachers, community leaders, village elders, youth groups, religious leaders and relevant authorities to take a more pro-active role to weed out such repugnant conduct.
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Mr Filipe Bole.