Mvula learners return to school

Learners of Mvula Junior Secondary School at Omaala in the Oshana Region, who stopped attending classes after they started displaying strange behaviour, have all returned to school. The return of some 30 learners last month came just weeks after prayer sessions were held at the school after claims of witchcraft were made. Oshana Education Deputy Director Immanuel Aipanda told Namibian Sun that besides three learners who withdrew from the school before the prayer sessions were held, all the learners are back at school. “The three learners did not report back but we understand that they have withdrawn for this year and will only be returning next year. This decision not to return was made months ago. The rest have returned and will continue with their education,” said Aipanda. The Ministry of Education approved a request for prayer sessions at the school, provided that it was done after school hours. Parents who spoke to Namibian Sun this week expressed satisfaction that all the learners were back at school after more than three months at home. “We knew that prayers would restore peace at the school and chase away those demons that were haunting our learners. In God, all things are possible,” said one parent. Earlier in the year, 30 children at the school started displaying strange behaviour, including rolling on the floor, shouting, screaming and cursing. Most of those affected were girls in Grade 9. The behaviour, described by health officials as mass hysteria, resulted in some learners being hospitalised and others receiving counselling.