Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Education Ro Teimumu Kepa is concerned in relation to the beating of a class 3 student in Nadi on Thursday.
Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu said she was quite shocked to learn of this case saying parents entrusted their children into the care of the teachers and they expect teachers to not only teach their children correctly, but to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times under their supervision.
Ro Teimumu said her prayers and thoughts go out to the daughter of Sangeeta Devi and she hoped that her injuries were not life threatening.
Ro Teimumu also said it was a timely reminder for all teachers and government officials, adults and parents alike to understand that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most ratified human rights treaty.
However, Police are still investigating this case where the teacher allegedly beat up Sangeeta Devi’s daughter who is in Class Three in a primary school in Mulomulo, Nadi.
Devi said her daughter was allegedly beaten up with a stick which resulted in blood clots on her back.
She added her daughter was crying on Thursday and when she checked on her, she noticed the blood clots.
Devi claims the teacher gave some questions on the board and told the students to write it in their books.
When the girl was not able to answer the questions, she was allegedly punished by the teacher.
According to Devi, she has reported the matter to police and the medical report of the student is also submitted.
Devi further claimed that the teacher called the relatives of the student and said to settle the matter as he had some family tension.
Meanwhile, three teachers have been suspended by the Education Ministry for beating up students in three separate incidents.
Education Minister, Doctor Mahendra Reddy said corporal punishment will not be tolerated and the teachers should always ensure that they always act in a professional manner.
He said the Ministry’s Disciplinary Committee will make the final decision next week.
