Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education has expressed grave concern over recent TikTok videos trending on social media, depicting school children being used to malign the government. The Ministry strongly condemns the misuse of students and school premises for such malicious acts.

A news release from the Ministry calls on those involved to cease immediately from abusing and exploiting students for their ulterior motives. The Ministry assures the public that proactive measures are being taken to investigate the videos, and some perpetrators have already been identified. The Ministry is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address the issue.

Additionally, the Ministry voiced its concern over the administration of corporal punishment and abuse of students in schools. The Ministry implores teachers and school authorities to familiarize themselves with the Children’s Act 2005 and education policy, and to adhere strictly to these guidelines. Education managers, school administrators, and teaching staff are reminded that their primary responsibility is to discipline, train, and educate children while also promoting their welfare and protecting them from any form of abuse.

The Ministry calls on parents, caregivers, security personnel, and all institutions concerned with children’s welfare to support and collaborate with the Ministry in protecting school children from abuse. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of a collective effort to ensure the safety and well-being of students.