Chivuna Girls Expelled Over Cellphones

St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Chivuna, Monze has ‘expelled’ three girls for being in possession of cellphones, which are prohibited by the school.

Two other girls, who are in examination classes, have been suspended till time for final exams.

When contact Headteacher, Scholastica Namangala Banda explained that Parents agreed for such measures to be taken adding that they even signed some documents to endorse it.

Strangely, the affected parents have expressed ignorance but the Headteacher said it’s a learning experience. She said the move would deter other girls from using phones. She pointed out that the school has two cellphones for use by the girls except the girls shun using them.

The Girls were sent away on Wednesday, June 4, 2013 and their parents were not given an audience as per normal disciplinary measure.

“They were found charging their phones at the weekend,” explained the source. “The school administration sat on Monday and called the parents to come and pick up their children by Wednesday latest Friday.”

Some teachers talked to have expressed shock at the ‘expulsion’ of the girls which the Headteacher said was a transfer request from the parents.

“It is agreeable that by the rules set by the school, it is not allowed for pupil to own a phone, but the punishment of EXPULSION is far too harsh,” said one of the Teachers who sought anonymity.

A lecturer at University of Zambia Nambole Munkombwe reacted: “It sounds harsh but truth be told. These pupils may have been warned a number of times but they thought they would survive.

Parents are also to blame for the illegal provisions. It is now the parents who are carrying the burden. They have to find schools for their expelled children.”

He adds: “One of the most disturbing items in learning are cell phones. So much time is wasted playing with these pieces of technology. As an educationist, I find cell phones a deterrent to good learning.”

However, James Asiana Banda argues that “the world has changed now. Schools should be flexible on the use of cell phones. In fact some educators are promoting incorporating cell phones into their teaching. Use of technology in teaching is a great motivator for learning. And cell phones are the readily available technology tools. We need to move on and accept the change.”

The question that remains unanswered is if the punishment the girls received is well-deserved.