Lautoka mother calls for corporal punishment, review team says this would be tricky

A mother of 4 is calling on the Ministry for Education to encourage more spiritual counselling in schools because she believes that we are not fighting a physical battle but a spiritual one in terms of the discipline of our students.

While speaking at the public consultation on the review of the Education Act 1966 at Natabua High School hall, the retired teacher said if spiritual counselling says to bring back corporal punishment, then it should be brought back.

She revealed that she uses corporal punishment to discipline her children.

She also encouraged parents to use words of love when disciplining their children.

The concerned parent also highlighted the need for a review of the education curriculum because whenever she checks her children’s workbooks, she does not understand what’s being written.

She says she complains to the teacher, but their response is that it is the standard rule.

She further says what is being taught now in kindergarten classes is what she learnt in class 6, and she hopes this is not being used to fast-track learning.

While responding to the issues raised, a member of the review team says they have been hearing issues on corporal punishment and bringing it back during their consultations.

He says spiritual counselling is also an interesting point, and they have been hearing about counselling becoming mandatory in schools.

He also says since the spiritual aspect is very tied into the fabric of our nation, and if people are suggesting this to be mandatory in all schools, then the question remains what spiritual aspect people are referring to.

The member adds this is because different schools have different religions and faiths, which can result in the separation of faith-based institutions.

He says corporal punishment will be a tricky one as this law is embedded in our constitution, and we will be breaching our international obligations.

The public consultation of the review of the Education Act 1966 will continue on Monday in Sigatoka.

The team will be in Keiyasi Secondary School from 10am to 12pm, and they will move to Nahigatoka Village Hall from 2pm to 4pm.