Forced Resignation -- I have been working for the Church as a teacher

[Lolene]

I have been working for the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a teacher since 2009. One of the church policies is that if I am an employee, then my child can attend the nearest church school and the church will pay 60% while I contribute 40% towards school fees. In the 3 years I worked there, I felt I could not afford to contribute my 40% share, but this year I decided to take my son to the Adventist school where I work. I filled out an application form and he was called for an entrance test. After that the school never called me to bring the child to school. I never saw the results of the entrance test. When schools opened, I had no one to leave the child with, so I went with him to work and put him in a class. The principal was busy with parents that week, but when I finally got a chance to see her, I put forth an apology for having brought the child to school and explained why I was compelled to do so. I left the principal's office knowing the issue was put to rest, however, 2 weeks later, she called me and told me to remove the child from school as I had not followed procedure when applying and bringing the child. I requested that I deal with the procedural issues while the child attends classes, but the she refused. I ended up telling her that because it is against the law of the country for a child that age to be out of school, I could not comply with her request. She later on vowed to do everything in her power to get my child out of the school. She went further to tell the child's teachers not to teach him. My child attended school the whole of 1st term, when the receptionist/secretary put her in the school roll, she was told to remove him. I ended up resigning from work when I realised that indeed some of the teachers sideline my child. I felt that my child's education in under threat and that the child was used to get at me, hence my resignation.

I therefore would like some advice on how to proceed with this issue because I feel I was forced to resign.

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that you may seek relief under Botswana Employment Act. In this regard you may refer the dispute to labor grievance officer. If it is a condition that child cannot study in same church then you may not claim compensation otherwise you can have compensation. Your employment agreement will also govern your rights.

AFF