Allegations of bullying and illicit drug use at one of the country’s elite boys’ schools have resurfaced, prompting calls for an urgent investigation. The claims emerged over the weekend through a handwritten letter shared on Facebook, detailing troubling behaviors among students at the school.
Key figures, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, are advocating for action and accountability regarding these allegations. The letter accuses senior students of coercing younger students, particularly kitchen hands, into stealing food. Additionally, it claims that juniors were pressured to stand guard during drug transactions and were subject to monetary theft and physical abuse.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed confidence that the Minister for Education is informed and will address the disciplinary steps needed for the school. He emphasized that corporal punishment should not be tolerated and called for the Ministry of Education to take a closer look at the matter. Minister Vosarogo highlighted the importance of open communication and “hard talks” among stakeholders to address the school’s issues effectively, expressing optimism about restoring the institution’s strong reputation for nurturing future leaders.
This incident is not isolated; the school has faced previous allegations of bullying, which has raised questions about its policies against such behavior. Vosarogo noted a decline in the school’s standards dating back to the late 1990s, urging immediate action to reverse the negative culture that has developed over time.
While the school principal, Timoci Vosailagi, declined to comment, the president of the QVS Parents and Teachers Association, Nemani Tuifagalele, has voiced his concerns and is awaiting the outcome of the Ministry of Education’s investigation.
This situation presents an opportunity for QVS to reflect, reassess, and rejuvenate its commitment to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. With the involvement of influential stakeholders, there is hope that significant reforms can lead to a brighter future for the school’s community.
Summary: Allegations of bullying and drug use at a leading boys’ school have emerged, leading to calls for investigation by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister Filimoni Vosarogo. Students have reported coercion and abuse by seniors, prompting discussions about the school’s culture and policies. Key leaders express optimism for reform and improvement in the school’s environment.
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