The School Management Association of Fiji is addressing two pressing issues: the declining behavior of students and the increasing prevalence of drug use in schools. During their ninth biennial conference today, association president Govind Singh expressed serious concerns regarding the drug problem, which teachers believe remains inadequately addressed. Many educators, who chose to remain anonymous, shared their frustrations about students openly disrespecting teachers and showing signs of drug use, such as arriving at school with bloodshot eyes.
These discussions tie into a previous appeal from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in March for greater enforcement measures in schools, including spot checks and blood tests. However, teachers report that little progress has been made in this regard, with the Ministry of Education unresponsive to inquiries about implementing bag checks. Singh highlighted that although school management has played a significant role in establishing educational institutions, there remains a crucial gap in communication and collaboration between school authorities and the Ministry of Education.
He emphasized that the challenge of drug use doesn’t start within school walls but rather begins in the wider community, urging parents to engage more in their children’s lives to help tackle this issue. He cited the importance of restoring systematic communication channels, which have diminished since the removal of regular education forums.
In a recent statement, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu encouraged parents to monitor their children’s belongings before they leave home, further underscoring the role families play in addressing these issues.
While the challenges are significant, the heightened recognition of these problems may pave the way for necessary discussions and actions to reverse these trends. By fostering a cooperative approach among educators, parents, and community leaders, there is hope for creating a healthier environment for students.
Summary:
The School Management Association of Fiji’s conference today will focus on student behavior and drug use in schools. Concerns raised by teachers point to a lack of effective measures to combat these issues, as well as a disconnect between school officials and the Ministry of Education. Emphasis is placed on the role of the community and parents in addressing the underlying causes of drug use, with a hopeful outlook for future collaboration and improvement in the school environment.
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