BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
REPORTS of inhuman treatment of female students at a leading school in Western Province has sparked public outrage and calls for immediate investigation.
According to information reaching Island Sun, female students at the school are locked inside their dormitories overnight under the pretext of ensuring security.
The girls are reportedly denied access to their bathrooms during the night and instead are given buckets to relieve themselves.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, condemned the rule as “bad” and a clear violation of the students’ human rights.
“This is insane. I was there on official duties when the girls told me about the issue. “These innocent students are caught under an inhuman school rule,” the witness said.
The witnessed added that the dormitories are locked from the outside by a teacher each night, posing serious safety risks.
“What if there’s a fire or an earthquake? How will the students escape?” he questioned.
Western Province Education Inspector, Willy Etupioh, confirmed that similar rules had existed in other schools but were scrapped due to welfare concerns.
He said the matter will be investigated and addressed accordingly.
“I understand that the girls’ dormitories are fully fenced, so security should not be an issue. While the security reason is genuine, the system used here goes beyond a school rule,” Etupioh said.
Provincial Minister of Education, Gordon Zebo, also condemned the practice, stressing that school rules must protect and not harm students.
“If that is a school rule approved by the board, it is up to the board to change it. But locking up students overnight is not the right approach,” Zebo stated.
He reiterated that such a rule endangers students’ welfare and should never be allowed in any educational institution.