School removes teen mom from matric after parents complain

School removes teen mom from matric after parents complain

- A matric pupil has been banned from returning to her class after she gave birth

- The school says that she can return to Grade 11 next year

- The devastated pupil believes that she is being denied the right to basic education

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!

A matric pupil who gave birth in April was told by a private Free State school that if she wanted to return to school, then she has to go back to Grade 11. This is despite the earlier proposal that she would just miss 15 days of school to deliver her baby.

According to TimesLive, New Horizon College claimed in a letter claimed that Sindisiwe Mgcina would not be able to cope with the work load even though she passed her previous terms.

The 18-year-old is now sitting at home because none of the public schools in her hometown of Bethlehem are willing to take her at this time in the year.

PAY ATTENTION: Do you want to know what's trending on Briefly.co.za? Join our WhatsApp group today.

School removes teen mom from matric after parents complain
School removes teen mom from matric after parents complain
Source: UGC

The school's principal, Phillip Pekeshe and director, J Eyberg told the young girl's mother that other parents were complaining about the teen pregnancy.

"They don't like their children to be exposed to that at school."

The school went on to add that they had an image and reputation to uphold.

The school's decision comes shortly after the department of basic education drafted a policy gazetted for public comment, stating that no pregnant pupils should be excluded.

A distraught Mgcina said she is being denied the right to an education. Her mother informed the school that she was taking her daughter out because of their treatment towards her.

The school's management said in an e-mail response it had told its side of the story to the Free State education department. The department said they would meet with the school to try to persuade them to reconsider.

READ ALSO: On this day in history: Nelson Mandela is arrested in Cedara

Many social media users have had strong opinions about this story including Professor Jonathan Jansen. He took to his Twitter page and said:

"This nonsense about sending a pregnant schoolgirl home must stop. Unless you send the boy as well. Then we can talk"

Another social media user MathundaMoeng responded by saying:

"Teachers are trained to teach and not to be midwives. It sounds harsh but it's true"

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News

Online view pixel