13 August 2018
Raise your voice : “Girls are monitored, once sixteen (16) years of age, male teachers indoctrinate them into dangerous and unhealthy sexual relationships"
By Raise your voice
PRESS RELEASE: Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia Inc.: Information reaching us indicates girls within the public education system are not safe or protected from sexual exploitation. “Girls are monitored, once sixteen (16) years of age, male teachers indoctrinate them into dangerous and unhealthy sexual relationships, specifically those who are vulnerable and from poor homes with unemployed mothers and/or parents” our source indicated.
The situation is further aggravated when male teachers coerce female students to have abortions and also use intimidation tactics to silence them to protect their relationships, jobs and reputation.
Education, in its broadest sense, is a “service” which is guaranteed as a human right. Sexual exploitation of girls is therefore prohibited; but, many male teachers prey on girls and it appears they even monitor girls to ensure they are one day pass age of consent to initiate them in sexual relationships.
We are sending out a very strong call to the custodians of the public education system i.e. Ministry of Education, Teaching Service Commission, St. Lucia Teaches Union, Principals Associations, Principals and Teachers to ensure the safety of girls within the public education system from sexual predators posing as teachers. And to advocate for the implementation of policies to protect girls and bring male teachers who engage in sexual relationships with students to account.
We encourage the Ministry of Education to appoint a Chief Education Officer to oversee the welfare of all students in the quickest possible timeframe.
