In an emotional plea, teachers and learners at Hashiyana Primary School in Ongwediva have asked for the reinstatement of their colleague and teacher accused of corporal punishment.

Petrus Ndeulita was dismissed after he was found guilty of corporal punishment.

Ndeulita allegedly punished a learner by making him hold a chair in the air for an hour. 

The learners, alongside their teachers held a peaceful but emotional demonstration on school grounds on Friday.

“No Ndeulita, no school,” shouted the learners. They have indicated they will
not be attending lessons if their teacher is not reinstated immediately.

Following the demonstration at school, the teachers proceeded to Oshana Regional Council, where they handed over a petition. “Ndeulita was a pivotal staff member in keeping the school in order, and he helped teaching and learning to run smoothly at Hashiyana. He is a strategic thinker. Take back Ndeulita to class. The school is waiting for him. He had no grudge against anyone. The principal in question has a problem with almost everyone at that school, including many of those who forcibly got transfers, and those who had retired,” said Petrus Sheweva, who read the petition. 

Furthermore, the suspension letter is sketchy, as it has a masthead of the Oshana Regional Council, and not the education ministry. Ndeulita was not given an opportunity to present his side.

Oshana education deputy director Hilma Nuunyango, who received the petition, assured it will be directed to the relevant authorities.

Education minister Anna Nghipondoka said during the teachers and principals’ conference at Mwadikange Kaulinge Secondary School in Ohangwena
region last week, she has ordered parents to train their children to respect teachers at school. 

She said the ministry is dealing with a half-a-million lawsuit because of corporal punishment. -vkaapanda@nepc.com.na