Pupils urge government to ban corporal punishment

Accra, June 15, GNA - Some pupils in Accra have called on government to ban corporal punishment as a means of instilling discipline in children. They pointed out that corporal punishment only made especially not-too-brilliant students to drop out of school because they feared when they failed an examination, they would be severely caned. The pupils made the call in a debate jointly organised by management s of Plan Ghana and Actionaid, both international NGOs to mark this year's International Day of the African Child in Accra on Tuesday. The debate has the topic; "Violence against Children, Sexual Violenc e and Corporal Punishment in Schools".

The Day falls on Wednesday, June 16 and this year's celebration is under the theme: "Budget for Children, Our Collective Responsibility". About 1,000 pupils drawn from basic schools in rural Accra including

Chorkor, Korle Gonno and James Town participated, as well as all project communities of Plan Ghana and Actionaid. The debate was to provide an avenue for them to voice out their feelings on issues that concerned them in school, home, in the public and

communities. Those who spoke for the motion described corporal punishment as the most ineffective way of disciplining a child and had made some of their colleagues to become "stammers" because they were of the view that they would be severely punished when they gave wrong answers. In addition, it led others especially girls whose performance were below average to give in to advances of men teachers and engaged in amoro us relationship to avoid being punished.

They contended that the practice was therefore, a disincentive to go od academic performance and high student enrolment and called on government to ban corporal punishment to enable pupils to freely express themselves in the classroom. The pupils suggested that teachers should adopt a more practical correctional system, which would encourage pupils to learn rather than discourage them from enjoying lessons in class. However, the other group who opposed the motion argued that some pup ils were too stubborn and it was only corporal punishment that could put them on the right track. They noted that corporal punishment instilled discipline among pupil s and made them to be careful in their endeavours. The pupils supported their position with the saying "if you spare th e rod, you spoil the child" but called for moderation in meting out corpora l punishment. However, the groups were unanimous that child sex abuse was prevaili ng in the school setting and was affecting their performance. They called on government to severely sanction teachers who perpetra ted sexual abuse against girls to deter others. In addition, government should provide more recreational centres whe re children could engage in social activities to overcome sexual desires associated with adolescence. Mr Samuel Paulos, Country Director of Plan Ghana said both Plan Ghan a and Actionaid would compile issues raised by the pupils and submit them t o government, policy makers and other stakeholders for the necessary action .. He said even though measures were being taken to ensure children had

access to their entitlements, they were still some factors that hindered their overall development. Mr Paulos called on government to ensure that all schools had access to facilities that encouraged teaching and learning. He suggested that teachers should be well trained in a manner to respect the rights of the child to end abuse against them. Mr Paulos reiterated the call on government to ban corporal punishme nt and replaced with a correctional system where pupils would understand the ir shortcomings and properly assist to correct them. "They must be allowed to freely express their feelings in schools, public places and communities," he added.