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A kindergarten teacher in Thailand has been fired for negligence after her student was allegedly sexually assaulted by three teen schoolboys on her watch.
On 4 August, the teacher had allowed the four-year-old to go alone to a toilet within the school compound, which was when the alleged assault took place.
The school director said normal school protocol calls for kindergartners to go in twos or threes at a time to the toilet. He added that the school has installed 16 CCTV cameras to prevent any recurrences.
On 7 August, the girl’s mother petitioned a local NGO, the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, to help speed up progress of the case and to push for legal action against the alleged perpetrators, aged 15 to 17.
The girl has been removed from the school as she was too afraid of returning to the school, reported Amarin TV. Her mother said the incident has traumatised the girl, who is now frightened of all male persons, including her own father.
Early this month, UNICEF urged the authorities in Asian countries to put an end to peer violence, which is prevalent in “rich and poor countries alike”.
“Education is the key to building peaceful societies, and yet, for millions of children around the world, school itself is not safe,” said UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore.
“Every day, students face multiple dangers, including fighting, pressure to join gangs, bullying – both in person and online, violent discipline, sexual harassment and armed violence.
“In the short-term this impacts their learning, and in the long-term it can lead to depression, anxiety and even suicide. Violence is an unforgettable lesson that no child needs to learn.”
Need help or know someone who does?
Call the following helplines:
Samaritans of Singapore - 1800 221 4444
Samaritans of Thailand - (02) 713 6793
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