Auntie Stella

29. A teacher got my friend pregnant

Theme: Forced sex
Unwanted pregnancy
Changing Society

Dear Auntie Stella

I’m a 17 year old girl writing O levels this year. My good friend, Loveness, who is 16, was in my class until last month. Last term, our maths teacher offered her extra lessons because she wasn’t doing well. But after a few lessons he proposed love to her. She couldn’t say no – he was her teacher and she was afraid he’d blame her. She fell pregnant and was expelled from school. But the teacher hasn’t been punished at all.

Me and my friends don’t think this is fair! Why is it just Loveness who got punished? Surely the teacher is even more to blame? We are having a meeting to discuss what to do. We want this teacher to be punished. We want Loveness to be allowed back to write her O Levels. We are thinking of writing a petition to the school board.

Some people think we can’t interfere because the school and parents will decide what to do about the teacher. But what if they do nothing? We believe that what we are doing is right but they say it is none of our business. What do you think, Auntie?

Cynthia

Talking points


  • Do you think Cynthia and her friends are right to be upset and angry with the situation at their school? Why or why not?

  • What do you think of their plan to hold a meeting? Do you think they will succeed? Why or why not?

  • What is a petition? How could it help Loveness?

  • What happens in your area when a schoolgirl falls pregnant? Can she continue her studies? And what about the father of the baby, does it affect him?