Ministry gets tough with unruly pupils

PUPILS who vandalise school and hostel facilities will have their examination results withheld and will not qualify for any bursaries until they have repaired the damage.

This was announced by Education Minister Abraham Iyambo when he officiated at the handover of newly renovated and expanded schools in the Oshana Region by the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia.Some boys from Mweshipandeka High School at Ongwediva recently vandalised school property and assaulted other pupils, mainly girls.Five students were arrested on Monday and the police charged three of them with malicious damage to property and common assault.The three – Paulus Abraham (18), Haushona Theophelus (18) and a 17-year-old who may not be identified – appeared in the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.They admitted guilt and were warned and released by the court.Windows were also broken at Haufiku Senior Secondary School in the Ohangwena Region after Grade 12s finished their exams.Iyambo has ordered regional education authorities to identify and take steps against students who damage school or hostel property.These steps include laying criminal charges against them, blacklisting them from government bursaries even if they pass with A symbols, and denying them school testimonials when they want to apply for further studies or jobs.Iyambo also ordered education authorities to put a stop to bullying at schools.Some parents had complained that their children left school because they couldn’t stand the bullying any longer.Eight school buildings were renovated and expanded in Omusati Region and another six in the Oshana Region through funding by Millennium Challenge Account Namibia.The MCA has set aside N$242 million for the renovation and expansion of schools and teachers’ accommodation in the north-central regions.