School accused of sending pupils home over hairstyles

Okakarara Senior Secondary School at Otjiwarongo is accused of sending more than 80 pupils home over their hairstyles on Tuesday.

Several parents complained after their children returned home without attending classes this week.

A teacher at the school, who prefers to remain anonymous, earlier this week confirmed that children were sent home due to their hairstyles.

The Namibian has seen videos in which children claimed they were told to “fix” their hair or risk not being allowed to return to school.

Last year the executive director of education, arts and culture, Sanet Steenkamp, warned schools to refrain from sending pupils home over hairstyles after receiving numerous complaints about children being denied access to education due to their appearance.

However, Okakarara school principal Rodger Katjivikua in a letter to the ministry, which The Namibian has seen, on Tuesday denied that pupils were sent home over their hairstyles.

“Parents were humbly requested to ensure their children wear the appropriate school uniform and keep tidy hairstyles at all times during a parent meeting which took place on Monday.

“We as a state school always adhere to all policies and guidelines of the ministry of education,” he said.
A school parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said the school is wasting pupils’ time.

“More than 80 pupils were sent home. Now they are just in the street,” he said.

The parent accused the school of not warning the pupils or issuing them letters before sending them home.

The teacher who spoke to The Namibian, said pupils were sent home, but could not confirm how many.

“They were asked to go and fix their hair, and not just specific grades, but the whole school.

“We have confiscated some of the beanies they were wearing, because it’s summer now, and they have been informed about this issue before,” she said.

The teacher said the principal announced this during school assembly on Tuesday.

Namibia National Students Organisation spokesperson Nangolo Dorthea this week said pupils should not be allowed to wear their hair as they please, but schools must not send them home.

“The teachers can call parents and deal with the issue after school, or use another form of punishment.
“It should not be during school hours, because now they will miss out,” she said.

Steenkamp yesterday said pupils, parents and teachers, as well as head officers should at all times give their energy and strength towards issues of critical importance.

“We have expressed our stance to the schools to avoid disruptions. I cannot see why issues of hairstyles must still play a pertinent role. So I’m really condemning this issue of parents not having oversight of the learners,” she said.

Steenkamp said there was chaos after an “out” weekend, because pupils were given leeway to do as they please.

“The issue of hairstyles should not be a discerning factor for children to receive proper education at our schools.

“We must also know every school has rules, and discipline is of crucial importance when there is chaos with children returning to our schools after out weekends,” she said.

Steenkamp said ill discipline should not be tolerated.

“This requires concerted efforts from parents and pupils to make informed decisions,” she said.