WINDHOEK - The 19-year-old learner at Omuthiya Junior Primary School suspended from school last month for allegedly assaulting a teacher over an MP3 player is still awaiting to hear his fate from the regional education directorate.
Last month the youngster assaulted a teacher at the school who wanted to confiscate his MP3 Player and a charge was laid against him. The 19-year-old appeared in the Omuthiya Magistrate’s Court after the school opened a case of assault against him. He is out on N$500 bail.
In the meantime, the school board met with the learners and impressed upon them the importance of discipline and respect for teachers. The incident has attracted the attention of the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu), which condemned the assault.
“The union condemns these barbaric actions against our teachers. Teachers are there to offer quality education and with these spineless actions it will put them in fearful situations,” said the Nantu Oshikoto regional chairperson Tomas Niilonga.
Nantu says discipline among learners has become a serious problem, leaving teachers in an awkward situation in their efforts to deliver quality education. “Lack of respect and their unacceptable behaviour should be rejected in the strongest terms possible,” said the Nantu Oshikoto regional chairperson Niilonga.
The school principal, Gerhart Ndafenongo told New Era that the school is still waiting for a notice from the regional education directorate on the next steps to be taken. Electronic devices such as iPad’s, MP3’s, cellphones and other gadgets are prohibited on school premises, because they interfere with both teaching and learning.