The students have always been against the paying of the teaching practice fee and it has been reported by the Newsday that students clashed with the college authorities early this year after their results were with-held over non-payment of the fee by returning students.
The SST views this recent move by the college authorities as an attempt to unnecessarily delay the suffering students from finishing their education in time thereby burdening the already over-burdened parents. This is also in stark contrast to the call by the new Pope, Pope Francis 1 in his inaugural speech at the Vatican when he talked about the need to serve one another with love and tenderness. Below is an excerpt from Pope Francis 1 inaugural speech;
Francis was interrupted by applause several times during his homily, including when he spoke of the need to serve one another with love and tenderness and not allow “hatred, envy and pride to defile our lives".
The Pope must "open his arms to protect all of God's people and embrace with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important," Francis, the first Jesuit pope, said.
"He must be inspired by lowly, concrete and faithful service," said Francis, who as a Jesuit has taken a vow of poverty.
"I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life … Let us not allow omens of destruction and death to accompany the advance of this world.
"It means respecting each of God's creatures and respecting the environment in which we live.
"It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about."
It is the contestation of the SST that the poor should be allowed to learn with dignity and respect. The capitalist sentiment being exhibited by the church should be condemned at all costs.
Post published in: News