Two teachers attached to the David Rose Special Education Needs School have been sent on leave as an investigation has been launched into alleged acts of abuse against young students of the school.

In a video recording posted on social media, the teachers were caught on camera in the classroom hitting students with what appears to be a belt. Some of the students are non-verbal and autistic.

In a statement last evening, the Minister of Education, Sonia Parag expressed her concern over the incident and announced a full investigation while the teachers have been sent off the job on leave.

Minister Parag said no child should ever be subjected to such treatment, particularly within a school environment entrusted with their care, development and protection.

She reminded that children with special educational needs, as all children do, deserve patience, compassion, dignity and love, and deserve to learn in spaces where they feel safe, supported and valued.

The two teachers at the centre of the abuse claims have been sent on administrative leave with effect from today, to facilitate a full and impartial investigation.

The investigation is expected to be completed by next Monday.

The Ministry of Education has said it will exert the fullest extent of its authority and resources to ensure that the matter is addressed urgently and appropriately, making it clear that it will not allow any educator to perpetuate abuse against children with special needs, or t any child within the school system.

“To the parents and families affected by what they have seen, I wish to say that I understand the distress, hurt and anger this incident has caused. As parents, guardians and caregivers, you place enormous trust in our education system each day when you send your children to school. That trust must never be violated. It is precisely because the Government of Guyana continues to place significant emphasis on strengthening special education support and services that this matter is being treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves”, the Education Minister said.

The Education Ministry will now move to have a Board of Governors established for the David Rose Special Needs School, with representation that includes parents, so as to strengthen oversight, accountability and engagement between the school and the families it serves.

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