Sir Frank Peters, lone crusader against corporal punishment in schools

I'm finding it difficult to find words to express my sincerest thanks both as a mother and well-wisher to Sir Frank Peters for his relentless efforts to eliminate corporal punishment in Bangladeshi schools. I have followed his anti corporal punishment campaign efforts since it began, but had no faith whatsoever in it ever being successful. When the law banning corporal punishment in schools was introduced, I was hopeful, but the beatings in the classroom continued for one of my children, although he attended a 'good' school. My husband and I both complained to the Headmaster and teacher, but they were set in their ways and reporting the lawbreakers to the police seemed pointless.

Both of my boys hated school. It was like daily punishment for them, with or without corporal punishment, and it showed in their exam results. One was so distressed he used to wet his bed the night before school holidays ended. His unhappiness tore my heart out.

A new progressive Headmaster arrived at the school this year who went to the senior classrooms, opened a general discussion on corporal punishment, read parts of a newspaper report written by Sir Frank and asked if they agreed and solicited their opinions. He then told the teachers never to use corporal punishment again.

May Allah award Sir Frank Peters immeasurably for his persistence to benefit Bangladesh.

Ferdous Imam and family
Mirpur 1, Dhaka