ANPPCAN hosts a media conference on corporal punishment
Media Release
IS CANING THE PERFECT ANTIDOTE?
The recent school unrests witnessed in the country that threatened to paralyze secondary education have drawn diverse emotions and sentiments from various quarters. Surprisingly, these unrests have been attributed to the withdrawal of the cane.
Following the school unrests, there have been incessant calls from a section of Kenyans for the re-introduction of the cane. For them, this is the solution, antidote and the ultimate means of taming children in schools.
But, the question that remains unanswered is whether caning, and for that matter, corporal punishment, is the perfect solution. The Children Act, 2001, abolished corporal punishment in schools in Kenya.
Past studies show that corporal punishment leads to abuse, is degrading, is psychologically damaging, teaches the wrong lesson, arises and causes poor relationships between teachers and children. Many studies have also pointed out that corporal punishment does not deter.
In the emerging school unrests, everyone is quick to call for the re-introduction of the cane. But, is this the grand remedy?
"I was caned and I felt hurt, injured, morally and spiritually broken and ridiculed before my fellow students," says Alfred Ogweno, a student at Jamhuri High School and a member of the Children’s Parliament, Kenya.
On abolishing the cane, alternatives to corporal punishment were proposed and include, but not limited, to counseling in schools. Were all the alternatives explored and mainstreamed in our schools?
You are invited to a media Conference to discuss: "Is Caning the Perfect Antidote?" You will have an opportunity to interview Alfred. Over 10 professionals from leading child rights organizations (Plan Kenya, ANPPCAN Regional, ANPPCAN Kenya, Children Legal Action Network (CLAN), Undugu Society of Kenya, among others) will be in attendance and will form the panel at the media Conference.
Date: 6 August 2008
Time: 10.00am
Venue: African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) Regional Office Boardroom
Location: Komo Lane, Off Wood Avenue, Yaya Centre, Nairobi
Contact Person: Bernard Morara - 0722890730
See a Statement on Corporal Punishment and Consequences of Corporal Punishment
NAIROBI August 5, 2008