Reports of racism have surfaced at Hellenic Academy, a top school in Harare, Zimbabwe with parents suggesting the abuse was targeted at African learners and staff members.
The parents told NewsDay that as a result, one of the “racist” teachers had since been disciplined after using derogatory words in reference to African students and staff members.
It is reported that in another incident, four European students allegedly attacked a male African pupil and broke his arm last month, prompting the victim to arm himself with a knife to defend himself.
The learner was, however, suspended for the incident, while his assailants walked scot-free leading to protests by other students at a sports day event recently. Speaking on the matter, school head Suzanne Joscelyne said:
_The incident was not even a big issue because it ended there. No one even reported that, but it only became an issue when the student sent an audio on social media threatening the others. He also posted a video of a knife he wanted to use to attack the others._
_He was put on a plaster and told by his doctors to stay home until he recovers. On Thursday, he came to school and took the knife out of his pocket. Prefects had to intervene and the issue was not about the initial fight, but somebody making a threatening message. He was not even suspended initially. We just said he needed some time out._
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A senior teacher at the school (name supplied) was subjected to a disciplinary hearing after one student reported him for calling him a “kaffir” during lessons.
Parents had initially accused school authorities of protecting the elderly teacher.
Suzanne Joscelyne told NewsDay that the academy does not take issues of racism lightly and was engaging stakeholders to deal with all suspected cases.
She added that a stiff penalty had been imposed on the elderly teacher, who was also ordered to apologise to the affected student.
More: Pindula News; NewsDay