Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has strongly condemned an incident involving nine senior students from Queen Victoria School (QVS) who allegedly assaulted junior students earlier this week. Rabuka expressed his disapproval during a media briefing, stating such behaviors did not occur during his own time at the school, highlighting a concerning shift in the school’s culture.
The Prime Minister urged parents and guardians to engage in discussions with their children about appropriate values and behavior before they enter the school environment. He called on the senior students involved to cease their “hooliganism.”
The Ministry of Education has confirmed the reports of assault, noting that the junior students, specifically those in Years 9 and 10, have been offered counseling by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council and sent home for their safety while the school awaits further instructions from senior management. Despite the serious nature of the incident, the Fiji Police have reported that no formal complaints have been filed.
Rabuka’s call for accountability aligns with previous statements made in light of earlier allegations concerning bullying and inappropriate conduct at QVS. Recently, Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister For Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo have also been vocal about the need for reform within the school’s culture, aiming to address incidents of coercion and misconduct among students.
In the wake of these troubling events, this incident serves as a wake-up call for QVS, highlighting the urgent need for improved oversight and robust policies to protect students and promote a positive educational environment. Hope remains that with the involvement of influential figures and community support, QVS can regain its reputation as a nurturing place for future leaders, fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
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