Debate is on rise in Tanzania about corporal punishment in schools. It is sparked from recent death of a 13-year-old student who was accused of stealing. Family members accuse he was beaten to death by school teacher.
Sperius Eradius was a primary school pupil in the northern Kagera province. He died on August 27, couple of days after being beaten. The teacher accuse he had stolen a handbag of another teacher.
The death has triggered uproar and family members have refused to bury the body until the teacher is arrested and principal of the school is suspended.
Meanwhile, beating of the student has been strongly condemned by Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA) saying the act was cruel and inhumane. It is urged such beatings and murders at school should not be repeated.
TAMWA recalled a 2016 incident when a school girl was forced to remove her underwear and four teachers caned in succession. A serial absenteeism was seen as a crime of the small girl.
Tanzania allows corporal punishment but with restrictions. It should be administered by principals and only on hands or buttocks using a light and flexible rod. It should be dealt out in case of serious offences.
Calling on the government to review such punishments regime the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) said, “The school is supposed to be a very safe place for students to enjoy their fundamental right to education… Severe sanctions should be imposed on teachers who commit criminal acts against students, to serve as an example.”
