The Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to teachers that corporal punishment will not be tolerated by the Ministry for Education.
This is in response to three reported cases now under investigation by the Fiji Police Force.
“The Ministry of Education will not condone such behaviour by teachers. The issue is now with the police and the findings we gather from them will determine the action that we will take against the abuse perpetrators,” said the Ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Brij Lal.
“The Ministry of Education has a child protection policy which ensures that the well-being, safety, respect and dignity of children are respected. This policy should be read by teachers and clearly articulates the action taken against child abuse perpetrators. Schools should also have their own child protection policy aligned to the ministry policy. If teachers continue to inflict corporal punishment it means that they are not reading this policy and do not bother to know and understand the latest policies in place,” commented Dr Lal.
“The Ministry of Education has a commitment to protect the rights of children in the school and ensure that a conducive environment for learning is created. Such actions will create fear in the lives of children and affect their concentration in school”.
“I will not condone such acts and teachers accused will be suspended pending further investigation. The police findings will determine the cause of action instituted against the teacher involved. Teachers around the country are advised to refrain from inflicting corporal punishment on children. It is an illegal act and anyone involved should be prepared to face the consequences of their action,” he said
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