– Education Ministry

THE Ministry of Education is reminding parents to ensure that they always act responsibly as they are the first role models for their children.

This statement comes in the aftermath of the ministry’s condemnation of the unfortunate and unacceptable incident which occurred at the Winfer Gardens Primary School on Wednesday between a teacher and a parent.

A Grade One teacher is now nursing injuries after she was attacked and beaten in her classroom by a parent.

The teacher, Yolanda Jackson, was visited by the parent within the confines of the school to address an issue concerning her child who was reportedly beaten by the said teacher.

An eyewitness indicated that a verbal confrontation ensued between the teacher and the woman, whose child is a pupil in her class.

This, however, led to a physical attack in the presence of other pupils.

Other teachers and pupils who witnessed the incident detailed that Jackson was “dragged onto the floor”, “kicked”, “punched” and “slammed” by the lone parent and the entire confrontation lasted several minutes.

While the injuries were not critical, Jackson was bleeding from the head with “cuts and bruises” about her body.

Assistant Chief Education Officer with responsibility for all primary schools, Carol Benn and General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) Coretta McDonald told the media that there is zero-tolerance for this type of behaviour.
The matter has been promptly placed for attention and action by the Guyana Police Force since it is criminal in nature.

“Teachers are also reminded to always act in accordance with policies, rules and due procedures that have been established by the Ministry of Education,” the ministry noted.

According to the Education Ministry, several internal approaches, including strengthening of security at schools, are being adopted by the ministry in an effort to deal with this matter without prejudicing the ongoing investigations which have been launched by the Guyana Police Force.

“The ministry wishes to assure the public that the security and well-being of its teachers and students are of paramount importance. The ministry cannot and will not tolerate violence in our schools. It is our collective responsibility as Guyanese to ensure that our schools are safe spaces for learning and teaching,” the ministry stated in a press release.

The Ministry of Education also called on all stakeholders including parents, communities and law enforcement agencies, to play their roles to ensure that together they raise caring, responsible citizens and that schools are protected from the social ills that threaten to undermine them.