The School Management Association of Fiji is convening its ninth biennial conference today to address pressing issues, particularly the troubling behavior of students and the increasing drug use in schools. Association president Govind Singh expressed concern over the alarming trend of drug-related activities among students, with teachers privately voicing their frustrations about insufficient measures being taken to combat this issue. Some educators have reported instances of students attending school under the influence, highlighting a significant challenge within the educational environment.
Teachers pointed out that despite Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s request for regular inspections and drug testing in schools, there has been little progress. Attempts to obtain comment from the Ministry of Education regarding measures such as bag checks have gone unanswered, leaving educators feeling unsupported.
Singh emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that drug issues originate from homes and communities rather than schools themselves. He criticized the lack of coordinated response and communication between school authorities, management, and the Ministry of Education, which he believes hampers efforts to address these concerns.
Furthermore, earlier this month, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu reiterated the need for parents to monitor what their children are bringing to school, reinforcing the idea that proactive family engagement is crucial in tackling this issue.
In summary, while the challenges posed by student behavior and drug use are significant, the emphasis on community involvement and proactive measures presents an opportunity for improvement. By fostering better communication between schools, parents, and authorities, there is hope for creating a safer and more supportive educational environment for students. Through collaboration, Fiji can work towards effectively addressing these pressing issues.
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