Thursday, March 22, 2012

Taming 'abnormal' sexuality in schools


Published on 20/03/2012
By Josephat Siror
A private school in the city has tightened school regulations to avert cases of lesbianism. Riara Girls Academy says while it had never detected such incidents, having preventive measures is necessary.
The school has formulated drastic regulations like ban on hugging and unnecessary physical contact, strengthening religious sessions and guidance and counseling. Hugging is an evolving interpersonal contact common in urban setting but the Riara Girls Principal, Jane Mulinge, describes it as a trigger to physical contact that should be avoided.
"We are not saying that we have had cases of lesbianism at Riara but it is important to prevent than to cure. Why should girls hold each other in the first place?" posed the Principal. Mulinge said that enlightening students and enforcing regulations would help deter such acts.
The school has direct dialogue programme on emerging social issues where students and experts’ hold debate. When The Standard visited the school, motivational speakers were having a special session on social matters.
The principal says the programme was part of an elaborate plan to enlighten students on morality.
Monitoring system"These are some of the preventive measures and the parents have been very supportive," she added.
The move by Riara to deter lesbianism comes after a school in Coast province suspended girls’ over allegations of lesbianism. There is concern the behavior would spread.
Pascalia Maingi, an educationist, says there is need to adopt moral monitoring systems to prevent bisexual relationships.
"It is an emerging issue but it should be tackled to stop from spreading," she said.
Cases of lesbianism have been blamed for evolving social habits and push for ‘human rights.’ The Constitution does not grant right to bisexual relationships in the country, although gay lobby groups have been agitating for acceptance as part of Bills of Rights.

No comments:

Post a Comment