ONGWEDIVA: Discipline amongst learners has become a problem, leaving teachers in an awkward situation to deliver quality education.
The chairperson of the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (NANTU) in the Oshikoto Region, Tomas Niilonga said this in reference to the recent incident where two pupils assaulted a teacher at the Omuthiya-Iipundi Secondary School.
“It is so sad and embarrassing what has emerged from the Omuthiya-Iipundi Secondary School (SS) in the Omuthiya Circuit,” said Niilonga in a telephonic interview with Nampa on Friday.
The teachers’ union condemned the assault on the teacher, and described it as “barbaric”.
“Teachers are there to offer quality education and with these spineless actions, it will put them in fearful situations,” Niilonga noted.
According to him, parents and students are more aware of their rights, but fail to consider that their rights are not absolute.
He also blamed parents, learners and the entire nation for accusing teachers once learners fail their end-of-year examinations, but remain silent on learners’ misbehaviour and indiscipline.
“Their lack of respect and unacceptable behaviour at educational institutions should be rejected in the strongest terms it deserves,” stated Niilonga.
Media reports have it that two male learners assaulted a female teacher at the aforesaid school on Monday last week after she confiscated an MP3 music player which the two pupils brought into the class.
The two boys have been suspended from the school since Friday last week, with one of them said to have been arrested last Saturday after the teacher laid a charge of assault against him.
One of the daily newspapers reported that a guardian of the arrested pupil described it as unfair for the teacher to press charges with the police, while she allegedly provoked the learner by breaking his music player.
The NANTU leadership in the Oshikoto Region is thus calling on the government to revisit policies that instill and maintain discipline amongst learners, with maximum protection for teachers.
Niilonga said for justice to prevail, the Ministry of Education and the regional education office should see to it that those who make themselves guilty of assaulting teachers are dealt with accordingly, and serve as example to those who may have similar ideas.