Parents Demand Urgent Action from UGEL Over Alleged Abuse Incident at Innova Schools

Parents have raised serious concerns about alleged abuse involving a minor at Innova Schools in the Ate district, demanding immediate action from the UGEL (Educational Management Unit). Following a report of a suspected sexual abuse incident involving a 10-year-old child within the school’s hygiene facilities, families have called for the suspension of the involved students while investigations continue. The incident has sparked widespread anger and a demand for greater accountability from the educational institution.

Attorney Muriel Mongrut, who is also a mother, has criticized the school for lacking adequate safety protocols and insufficient surveillance measures. She pointed out that the school’s director, Zaira Novoa Flores, allegedly downplayed the incident, and the UGEL has yet to take any formal steps regarding the case. Mongrut emphasized that the school does not have specific procedures in place to address sexual violence or an emergency evacuation plan, raising concerns about the institution’s preparedness to protect minors.

Mongrut also highlighted the school’s limited surveillance, noting that only two cameras are installed in a space covering approximately 450 square meters. This, she argued, creates significant gaps in monitoring and increases the risk of unaddressed misconduct. Parents have reported other suspected cases of student harassment, further underscoring the need for urgent reforms in the school’s safety measures.

The attorney acknowledged that the legal classification of the reported incidents may vary due to the age of the minors involved. However, she stressed that the severity of the situation cannot be minimized. She also reminded parents of their responsibility to supervise their children until they reach the age of majority, urging them to reinforce education and oversight at home to prevent such situations.

Parents have demanded that the UGEL intervene immediately and order the preventive suspension of the students named in the report while investigations are ongoing. Although the school temporarily suspended classes on its own initiative, families have questioned the lack of concrete actions from the educational authority. Mongrut reported that the institution is not fully cooperating with the proceedings and that the National Police of Peru has not yet arrived to continue the investigations.

The incident has exposed vulnerabilities in the school’s governance and safety practices, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability. As the UGEL continues its investigation, the community awaits clear and decisive action to ensure the protection of all students. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, a principle that should guide the response to such serious concerns.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)