SAMUEL NJINGA
Parents of children at Gokomere Mission in Masvingo are up in arms with the school authorities over rampant bullying at the school.
They have now threatened to petition the school authorities.
“My child had his trunk stolen from his room. All the groceries were taken by these bullies. At first when I heard the news I thought it was only my child being affected but only to learn that most of the parents with Form 3 pupils at the institution were facing a similar situation. Our children are in trouble. They know no peace due to these unruly elements,” a parent who only identified herself as Martha Nyamukogo told Business Times.
Another parent, who only identified herself as Sarudzai said there was “war” at the school.
“We really don`t understand why such a school that used to be held in high esteem in the country has suddenly become a training site of deviant behaviour,” she said.
Sarudzai said parents have unanimously agreed in a WhatsApp group to take the “bull by its horns”.
“We have so far deliberated on several approaches. Some have suggested that we petition the school authorities. Others have suggested engagement while others have suggested demonstrating at the institutions. We are yet to agree on the best formula to adopt,” she said.
Gokomere High School head Acquainos Mazhunga said claims of bullying at the school were untrue and a creation of social media.
“They are at it again. These social media players. They are spreading lies. There is nothing like that here. Pupils are well behaved. Everything is just normal. They are referring to things that happened last year. If they are threatening to come to the school, ngavavuye, toonana vavuya,” Mazhunga said.
The Provincial Education director Shylet Mhike said that she was not aware of the Gokomere issue.
