Groups Urge Government to End Violent Student Discipline

Six Organizations Urge Government to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools

Dar es Salaam, March 6, 2025 – Following the tragic death of a Form Two student, Mhoja Maduhu, after allegedly being beaten and trampled by his teacher, six organizations advocating against child abuse have called on the government to abolish the 2002 corporal punishment guidelines. These organizations have also urged the creation of a framework for alternative, positive disciplinary measures to foster student discipline without resorting to violence.

The call comes after Maduhu's tragic death on February 26, 2025, at Mwasamba Secondary School in Busega District, Simiyu region. Reports suggest that Maduhu passed away after receiving ten strokes and being trampled on the head by his teacher, Salim Chogogwe, following his failure to complete group assignments. According to an eyewitness student, Maduhu was struck on the head and back with sticks before being trampled.

This is not the first such incident. In 2018, another student, Sperius Eradius, died from corporal punishment at Kibeta Primary School in Bukoba, Kagera.

The organizations calling for change include Hakielimu, Msichana Initiative, Save the Children, Children Dignity Forum, Shule Direct, Children in Crossfire, and TCRF. Dr. John Kalage, the Executive Director of Hakielimu, emphasized that given the rising incidents of such violence, it is time for the government to act decisively by ending corporal punishment in schools and establishing guidelines for alternative, non-violent disciplinary practices.

In the ongoing review of the Education Act of 1978, Dr. Kalage stresses that provisions must be added to prohibit corporal punishment and other forms of abuse that create opportunities for teachers to harm students. Research by Hakielimu across eight schools has shown that 98% of students feel safe when teachers avoid corporal punishment.

“The evidence clearly demonstrates that positive disciplinary methods can effectively encourage student behavior without inflicting harm. A law banning corporal punishment would not only prevent teachers from using violence but also reduce child abuse in schools,” Dr. Kalage said.

He also urged the government to follow through on its commitments made during the inaugural World Ministers' Conference to End Violence Against Children in Colombia in November 2024. This includes establishing child protection desks in all schools by 2029, providing a formal mechanism to receive and address student complaints of abuse, including physical punishment, sexual harassment, and psychological abuse.

Saraphina Lelo, program manager at Children in Crossfire, warned that continued use of corporal punishment perpetuates a cycle of violence. She noted that children who experience this trauma may grow up to perpetuate similar abuse, creating a society that normalizes violence.

In response to the concerns raised, Dr. Lyabwene Mutahabwa, the Education Commissioner, stated that while the government does not plan to abolish corporal punishment entirely, it has strengthened monitoring to ensure the guidelines are followed. Under the current guidelines, corporal punishment should only be administered by the headmaster or school principal and should not exceed three strokes.

“We are enhancing monitoring to ensure adherence to these guidelines. The goal is not to eliminate corporal punishment in the distant future, but to improve oversight and accountability now,” Dr. Mutahabwa explained. “We will increase our monitoring efforts, and those who violate these rules will face consequences. Protecting the safety of children is our top priority, and we call on the community to report any instances of abuse so that action can be taken.”

Dr. Mutahabwa emphasized that education quality monitors will be the first to be questioned in cases of student abuse in schools. He concluded, "If a school is known for excessive corporal punishment, the quality assurance officer must take responsibility, and there will be closer supervision to understand what is happening at the school level."