— Parag meets families, school officials as ministry advances new oversight measures
THE Ministry of Education has moved to strengthen oversight at the David Rose School for Special Education as investigations continue into the alleged mistreatment of a student by two teachers at the institution.
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, on Friday, met with the parents and family members of the affected student, the school’s Headteacher and members of staff, assuring them that the matter was being treated with “the utmost seriousness and urgency.”
The meeting followed the circulation of a video on social media that allegedly showed acts of abuse involving students at the school, prompting widespread concern from parents and the public.
According to the minister, the Ministry’s Welfare Unit, Special Education Needs Department and administrative team are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Decisive action will be taken against all persons found to have been involved directly and indirectly,” Parag said in an update following her visit to the school.
She also reiterated the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy toward abuse within the education system, stressing that children with special educational needs must be treated with dignity, patience, care and protection while under the supervision of educational institutions.
The minister apologised to the affected families for the distress caused by the incident and confirmed that the two teachers seen in the video remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
She noted that the educators will be subjected to the ministry’s full disciplinary process and could face additional legal consequences where necessary.
As part of immediate measures being implemented, Parag on Friday afternoon met with Head of the School Board Secretariat, Volika Jaikishun; Assistant Chief Education Officer responsible for Special Education Needs and Development, Dr Keon Chung and Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Tiffanny Harvey, to advance the establishment of a Board of Governors for the school.
The board is expected to be appointed and installed during the coming week.
According to the minister, the body will comprise parents as well as professionals with experience in special education and will be tasked with strengthening supervision, accountability, parental engagement and student welfare.
She said the move forms part of the ministry’s broader commitment to ensuring that “such a grave abuse of authority and trust is never repeated within the education system.”
The Ministry of Education has urged the public to remain patient as investigations continue, noting that due process must be allowed to run its course to ensure findings and outcomes are comprehensive, final and just.
On Thursday, Parag had described the video as deeply disturbing, stating that no child should ever be subjected to such treatment, particularly within a school environment entrusted with their care and development.
The ministry has indicated that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
