The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) has responded to allegations of sexual misconduct involving a primary school student and three males.
“We do not condone this kind of behavior,” said officials at the ministry in a statement responding to the allegations that surfaced last week Thursday.
The ministry and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) were alerted by a principal at one of the government primary schools about the incident and according the statement released yesterday, sexual misconduct within schools will not be taken lightly and will be thoroughly investigated.
“Once an incident is brought to our attention, the protocols and procedures as set out by the Safe Schools Protocol, Manual for Public Schools, are immediately followed to ensure that the matter is addressed and all stakeholders are notified,” the statement read.
“In this instance, the MOEST is satisfied that the right protocols were followed and the relevant stakeholders have been informed and are engaged in the investigations. The parents of all students have been contacted and informed of the alleged misconduct. Education officials, social services, school psychological services as well as the police have all been notified and each is carrying out its respective duties.”
The statement assured that the ministry has already moved toward to fix the situation as it confirmed that the alleged victim is now under both the ministry’s and the school’s close watch.
“The students are being closely monitored and the alleged victim has been removed from having direct interaction with those involved,” the statement read.
“The MOEST wants to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the students and aggressive counseling has already begun and will continue, to ensure that the students are given the necessary medical and psychological attention and treatment.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology wishes to assure the public that we do not condone this kind of behavior from our students and will work closely with parents to ensure children understand what is considered appropriate and inappropriate behavior.”
The statement included that the Ministry of Education will continue to place emphasis in Family Life lessons, where the curriculum provides to educate children on “inappropriate touching” especially among younger primary students.
It asserted that the matter was brought to the ministry’s attention as a result of a Family Life lesson when a guidance counselor was reviewing appropriate touching with students.
As children are involved, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology requests that the public be mindful of the emotional well-being of the children and their families and not release the name of those allegedly involved including the school.
