Soul

That teacher to student relationship

Teacher and student relationships are not new. Girls, in particular, find it trendy, especially in institutions of higher learning education to engage in intimate relationships with their lecturers.

A girl interviewed on condition of anonymity—from one the prestigious private colleges in Blantyre—says girls mainly engage in relationships with their lecturers to get good grades in their assignments.

Even boys fall prey yo teacher-student relationships for favours

She says most girl students never mind to be an MG 2 as long as they are getting what they want.

The girl adds that apart from good grades, these students get preferential treatment from their lovers, who give them full backing in college.

“Some even get exam papers in advance, money for groceries and other goodies. Of course, such behaviour is not restricted to colleges, it is also happening in primary and secondary schools,” she says.

Thelma Nankwawa from Zomba rebukes such relationships as they put girls at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases that in turn derail their efforts to finishing school in the right timeframe.

She stresses that institutions need to play a leading role in such issues by putting in place strict measures to deter lecturers from having relationships with students.

Nankwawa cautions girls not to fall prey to the vice, and to report to relevant authorities when approached by such lecturers.

Robert Zingani from Chigumula in Blantyre says it is unethical to engage in such relationships.

He says getting good grades dubiously only exposes those involved as they will later fail to perform in their jobs.

Chancellor College sociologist Charles Chilimampunga observes that whoever engages in such relationships risks losing respect.

He also says there is likely to be a conflict with other students as they will notice the favours towards particular students.

“Obviously, it is unacceptable for lecturers to be in such relationships as there are so many implications that pertain to such relationships. It is just morally not right,” he says.

Chilimampunga adds that the student’s classroom participation and academic performance are likely to be negatively affected with such relationships. n

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