Sex For Grades…

Girls as young as 10 are being forced by their teachers to have sex with them
in order to pass their examinations.  They are threatened with poor grades and failures
if they refuse, according to a groundbreaking report on school violence
published by Plan, an international children's non-governmental organisation (NGO).

The report forms part of Plan's "Learn Without Fear" campaign, designed to end all forms
of violence against children in schools. It shows that sexual violence is institutionalised in many schools
throughout Africa with many teachers ruthlessly exploiting pupils by demanding sex.

The report, the most comprehensive global examination of school violence yet,
focuses on three major areas namely sexual violence, rape for grades; corporal punishment—
beatings, kicking, humiliation and bullying.
Girls are more likely to be victims of sexual violence, while boys bear the brunt of corporal punishment.
These were contained in a press release, issued by the Plan Press Office.

The problem is not just confined to Africa.
The release also reveals shocking evidence of sexual abuse in Latin America and Asia.
In many places, the issue was compounded by cultural attitudes towards women and girls,
which made it extremely difficult for victims to resist their attackers or get justice.

Rosemary, 17, from Tanzania, became pregnant when forced into sex by her teacher and now has a baby.
Rosemary said her teacher called her to his office and made love to her, stressing that they sometimes
went out of the school until she got pregnant. Now she cannot see what the future holds for her
and life is so difficult and so wonders how she would be able to support her child to grow
and how she could provide his necessities.
"I need to be helped so that I can go on with studies," she stated.

The Chief Executive Officer of Plan, Mr Tom Miller, said
"This report presents shocking and irrefutable evidence that children across the globe are regularly,
sexually and physically abused by the very adults who have a duty to protect them.
Violence in schools was too often viewed as acceptable or necessary by education authorities,
parents and governments".

(PeaceFMonline)