Rectors and deputy rectors discuss handling indiscipline and violence in schools

A one-day workshop focusing on ‘Handling indiscipline and violence in schools’ was held on Wednesday at the Aanari Hotel and Spa in Flic-en-Flac.

The Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, and the President of the Union of Rectors and Deputy Rectors of State Secondary Schools (URDRSSS), Mr Soondress Sawmynaden, were present.

This joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, and the URDRSSS, is enabling an active interaction among rectors and deputy rectors to come up with concrete and mutually-agreed actions in tackling the issue of indiscipline and violence in schools in the best interests of students.

In her address, Minister Dookun-Luchoomun underlined the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education as well as promoting lifelong learning opportunities for each and every student to attain high levels of achievement and become responsible citizens of tomorrow.

According to her, it is essential to inculcate the right attitudes and values, since an early age, in children so that when they grow up, they foster responsible behaviours both at school and within the society at large.

A zero-tolerance policy, she stressed, should be adopted in line with set parameters to do away with the various types of indiscipline that teachers and rectors encounter in schools including bullying, violence, drugs, and ICT and sex-related offences. School leaders, she said, need to take stock of both prevailing situations and new challenges arising from evolving circumstances, assess progress and review current strategies so as to achieve optimal efficiency and promote a positive school culture.

With regard to the measures being taken, the Minister informed that the Student Behaviour Policy is being reviewed for the elaboration of a common and workable framework for managing student behaviour and indiscipline in schools. Additionally, she stated, some 35 discipline masters will be recruited on a contractual basis to assist the rector in maintaining discipline in schools. An anti-violence campaign will also be launched to sensitise both students and school personnel as well as to help reduce the number of cases relating to bullying and violence in schools, she announced.

Mr Sawmynaden, for his part, highlighted that the workshop is a good platform for all stakeholders to reiterate the commitment in promoting a safe and secured environment in schools, characterised by high behaviour standards. Therefore, the workshop, he said, will contribute in bringing rectors and deputy rectors to work together as a team in identifying the causes and ways of tackling cases of indiscipline in schools. He stated that it is also a good opportunity for stakeholders to work in lockstep with one another and renew their partnership in ensuring a conducive environment for both teachers and students.