Over 200 pupils at Matero Boys Secondary School in Lusaka have been suspended and barred from writing their end-of-term examinations after allegedly absconding the school’s official day of prayer.
The mass suspension follows the learners’ absence from the prayer programme held on Thursday last week, an activity school authorities say is mandatory and part of the institution’s core values.
Confirming the development, school manager Father Cullistus Jeje said the decision to suspend the pupils is in line with the school’s disciplinary procedures, stressing that Matero Boys is founded on strong principles of discipline and moral conduct.
Fr Jeje explained that parents and guardians were notified in advance about the prayer day and were reminded that all pupils were expected to attend.
“On Wednesday, all parents were reminded that the following day (Thursday) would be prayer day and all pupils must be part of the programme as is always the case. Unfortunately, more than 200 pupils did not show up,” Fr Jeje said.
He added that the affected learners will now be assessed next term, and those who will be found to have deliberately skipped the programme may face further disciplinary measures.
However, Fr Jeje noted that after engaging parents and guardians, it was discovered that some pupils had legitimate reasons for missing the prayer day, including illness, and those learners will be allowed to sit for the tests next term.
The incident has attracted mixed reactions, with some parents storming the school seeking clarification and redress after learning their children had been suspended.
Meanwhile, Matero Boys Parent-Teacher Committee chairperson Sunday Ngalande has backed the school’s decision, stating that discipline remains critical in the education system.
“Discipline is cardinal. No school can function without proper discipline among learners,” Mr Ngalande said.
But the move has not been universally supported, with Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) general secretary Henry Sinkala questioning the fairness of the punishment.
Mr Sinkala argued that learners should not be suspended for missing an Easter mass, warning that such disciplinary action could infringe on learners’ rights.
The decision has since ignited debate among stakeholders, with some praising Matero Boys for enforcing discipline, while others insist punishment should be balanced with learners’ welfare and educational rights.
Source: Zambia Daily Mail / ZNBC
