Teachers Fired in Kenya for Sexual Abuse

Keisha McNeil
2:45 p.m.
October 15, 2010

In the past two years, thousands of teachers have been terminated due to sexual abuse of female students in Kenya. Last year, approximately 600 teachers were let go due to allegations of sexual abuse. This year, nearly 500 teachers were terminated. Some victims were as young as 12 years of age. A Kenyan child advocacy group has reported that the highest number of abusers were fathers, neighbors, as well as teachers. The epidemic has drawn national attention from child advocay groups and women's rights groups. Many young girls came forward to report the abuse after a nationwide helpline was opened within the country. The reported abuse ranges from kissing, fondling, and sexual intercourse. At least 10 of the girls were impregnated from the sexual abuse. In one school there were nearly 20 pregnant girls who were presumably impregnated from their teachers.

When I read this article, I was overcome with so much emotion. I was upset that it has taken this long for the light to be shown on the sexual abuse that takes place within these institutions. I was also overwhelmed with a sense of relief that finally there is action being taken place to stop this epidemic from continuing. I felt that this article could have went more in depth with what actual punishments are being inflicted upon these abusers. I am really concerned with the safety that is being provided for these young girls. Where are the parents in these situations? How are these men being able to carry out these acts in school without red flags being shown? I hope and pray that this story is not one that is just in the spotlight for the time being. I really want to see more advocacy groups pay more attention to these school systems and the young girls who are victimized within the home and communities. I want to see the government become involved in protected these young girls' innocence. I am aware that abuse like this happens everyday and in every country. It is sad that Kenya has to be the poster child for cases like these. However, now maybe there can finally be a movement to eliminate the sexual harm inflicted on young girls worldwide.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/1000-teachers-fired-kenya-sex-probe/story?id=11833823

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6959987-mass-scale-sexual-abuse-of-girls-in-kenyan-schools