The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) has urged teachers to protect children's rights.

Ms. Ntsebe Kokome was speaking at a three-day workshop to sensitize Principals, District Resource teachers and Education Officers on Child Welfare and Protection Bill of 2005 at the event held at Maseru Sun on Thursday.

Ms. Kokome said it is the responsibility of teachers to educate children about their fundamental human rights, noting that her ministry is concerned that some of the teachers are often heard equating protection of children against all forms of abuse with permitting them (children) to do as they wish in a manner that is detrimental to good discipline.

She emphasized the need for teachers and principals to ensure that school discipline is fair and transparent and that it promotes positive behavioural change.

She urged teachers to familiarize themselves with challenges that force them to learn new ways of disciplining children without subjecting them (children) to abusive language, humiliation and violence.

Furthermore, she expressed need for parents and community’s commitment to acquaint themselves with information that advocates for children's rights and so to be informed in making decisions on issues that concern children.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Representative to Lesotho, Ms. Aichatour Diawara Flambert emphasized need for the bill to be passed as a law as this will promote implementation of the law within the school environment.

The workshop that has been organized by UNICEF jointly with the Ministry of Education and Training is attended by more than 700 participants.

SOURCE: LENA 05/07/2007