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Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
FOUR rogue Nemakonde High School teachers, who were having inappropriate relationships with their students, have been FIRED.
The fired teachers are Joseph Chinhanga, Jeffrey Sarikosi, Dennis Pedzisai and a fourth one who was only identified as Dendera.
Sarikosi is even alleged to have sired a child with a former student.
The quartet was suspended from school last year after an outcry from some students, and parents, which prompted the District Education Office to institute investigations into the saga.
After the investigations, the four were kept on suspension pending a full investigation by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education communications director, Taungana Ndoro, confirmed the dismissal of the four teachers from office.
“They were charged with improper association and dismissed from service,” said Ndoro.
“Schools should establish confidential, accessible reporting procedures that empower students, parents, and staff to report any suspected instances of inappropriate behaviour or boundary violations.
“There should be clear protocols in place for investigating and addressing all credible reports.”
He added:
“Training should be updated periodically.
“There should be no tolerance for teachers isolating or spending excessive unsupervised time with individual students.
“There should be counselling and support services available to help students who may have been affected by inappropriate behaviour.
“Schools must have thorough vetting processes for all new (staff), including comprehensive background checks and verification of past employment, history and references.
“Any red flags should be fully investigated before making hiring decisions. The safety and well-being of students must be the top priority.”
Musoro Muchena Skills for Life Board treasurer, Shupikai Zebron, said the sanctions meted on the teachers was appropriate.
“Because we say teachers are in loco parentis when they have our children at school.
“So, if teachers now look at our children as potential girlfriends, or potential sexual prey, then it becomes another story.
“As Musoromuchena Skills for Life, we really hail the decision that was taken.
“These teachers must also think about their own families, how they disgraced themselves and their wives, how their children are going to look at them as fathers who behave that way.”
Online Reporter