The village council of Poutasi, Falealili in Samoa has fined seven students of Falealili College for breaking into the school and taking school properties.
Samoa Observer reports that the village mayor had confirmed the council decision and fine of $1000tala and one cattle each.
The mayor said the students, three students in year 13, two in year 11 and two in year 10 are still attending school.
The principal is reported to have taken the matter to Police but the school committee advised him to withdraw the matter.
But he said that he didn’t take the matter to the village council, but they apparently heard about the incident and decided to deal with in.
The mayor told the newspaper that this was what village councils do and they have a responsibility to protect school property.
He said, “Any other village would have done the same if it happened to them.”
He said the council wanted to send a message to the students and teach them a lesson.
The mayor said they wanted to keep it out of the courts because the students need to stay in school and learn something good for their future, especially for their families
