Machakos: Hilarious Reactions as Suspended Seminary Student is Asked to Return with Sack of Avocados
- A student at Pope Paul VI Junior Seminary in Machakos county was suspended for violating school rules
- In a suspension letter, his parents were instructed to return with him on June 4 for a disciplinary meeting
- The letter also bizarrely required the parents to bring two rolls of chain link and a sack of avocados, sparking amusement online
- TUKO.co.ke spoke to Lorna Okecha, a deputy head teacher who said educators are expected not only to help learners understand the curriculum but also to teach them good morals
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Machakos - A student from Pope Paul VI Junior Seminary has been suspended and sent home, while his classmates continue with their studies.
Source: Facebook
Ignatius Baraka was suspended effective May 19, over two violations of school rules.
Why did Pope Paul VI Junior Seminary suspend student?
In a suspension letter addressed to his parents or guardian, the institution stated that Baraka had assisted another student to sneak out of the seminary.
His second offence was picking and keeping fruits belonging to the seminary in the dormitory, which is against school regulations.
“Come with him on June 4 at 8am for further discussion on his disciplinary case,” read the letter addressed to Baraka’s parents.
The parents were also asked to clear outstanding school fees by the stated date and were required to bring several additional items.
“Come with two rolls of chain link, eight feet, and no cash will be allowed. Carry a sack of avocado,” the letter added, signed by Father Paul Munguti, the rector.
The inclusion of a sack of avocados in the list of requirements amused social media users, who reacted with a mix of humour and disbelief.
Do teachers suspend students to punish parents
TUKO.co.ke spoke to Lorna Okecha, a deputy head teacher, who said that school is a place where good habits and discipline are nurtured in every student, it does not matter whether it is a seminary or not.
Teachers are expected not only to help learners understand the curriculum but also to teach them morals that will help them coexist in the larger society.
“In this boy’s case, the school has rules that are clearly laid out, and every student is expected to adhere to them. I do not know the case in detail or what informed the decision, but school heads don’t intend to shame or punish parents. Rather, the goal is to teach students the importance of following rules and taking responsibility for their actions,” said Lorna.
Netizens react to the Machakos student’s suspension letter
Social media users reacted with humour and sarcasm, questioning the fairness and reasoning behind the school’s disciplinary methods.
Many pointed out that the punishment seemed to target the parents more than the student, while others saw it as a quirky but acceptable form of discipline.
Elisha Barmo:
“Let him bring an empty sack of avocados, usually used by avocado farmers.”
Kennedy Kipchilat:
“It is the seminary that brought us up to be very responsible.”
Kimson Mukumu:
“A sack of avocados is different from a sack full of avocados. He should just carry a sack used for avocados.”
Gideon Njeru:
“And this is the same Catholic priest who will be preaching to me next Sunday about forgiveness?”
George Smart:
“Are they punishing the student or the parents? It sounds like the parents were the ones who helped the other student sneak out. At the end of the day, I don’t see the student receiving any real punishment.”
Bonik Agri-solutions:
“Nothing terrible, it's just a way of disciplining students.”
Fidelis Mpaji:
“He should follow the instructions. That's the church. Unless you’re ready to leave with your child.”
Doughlas Mwendah:
"That’s how it always is. Even back in the day, parents would bring an entire pick-up truck full of mangoes."
Narok student dies on his way home after suspension
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that a Form Three student from Mwongori High School died in a road accident while heading home from school.
The 17-year-old had been suspended along with his entire classmates after a CCTV camera in their classroom was damaged.
His parents did not receive the suspension notice in time to send bus fare, so he hitched a lift in a parcel truck, which later crashed on the way.
Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, added reactions to this story.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
