A former teacher in the UK, Ernestina Quainoo, has been permanently barred from ever teaching again. This comes after a dark secret from her past resurfaced.
In 2008, Quainoo, originally from Ghana, was involved in smuggling a young girl, only 14 years old, into the UK. The couple promised the girl education and a better life, but instead, forced her into domestic servitude.
For 18 months, the girl was made to cook, clean, and care for their children, all with no pay and little freedom. Denied schooling, friends, and even proper clothing, the girl felt trapped and hopeless.
Her nightmare finally ended when she fell ill and bravely escaped to seek medical help. Police were called, and the truth came out. Quainoo’s husband received jail time, but she only faced a lesser charge for immigration offenses.
Fast forward to 2019. Quainoo, seemingly with a clean slate, secured a teaching job at a primary school. However, her past caught up with her in 2022. The school learned of her conviction and, although she resigned, authorities launched an investigation.
This year, the Teaching Regulation Agency permanently banned Quainoo from ever teaching again. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of background checks and the lasting damage caused by human trafficking.
