The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has formally abolished the use of corporal punishment against learners, confirming that beating students by teachers is no longer permitted.
This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata, in response to a question in the Senate.
The Deputy Minister stated that while discipline remains necessary, the Ministry has transitioned to using positive discipline methods, completely removing the policy that allowed for corporal punishment.
Gata made it clear that any teacher found beating a child will face serious consequences.
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"Any teacher who can be seen beating children, some measures will be taken through the schools until the issue is raised with the police as a criminal offence," he stated.
The policy shift is rooted in an effort to uphold children's rights and dignity, promoting an environment where students can be disciplined without physical harm.
Instead of corporal punishment, the Ministry is now championing alternative disciplinary measures. These include sitting down with the child, counselling and guidance and time out.
The Ministry's assessment indicates that engaging with a child through counselling and guidance is more effective in raising a responsible child.
"We removed corporal punishment and we are now promoting positive discipline," the Deputy Minister noted. "We no longer have corporal punishment in primary and secondary education.”
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