The ongoing issues of declining student behavior and widespread drug use in schools are set to be the focal points of discussion at the School Management Association of Fiji’s ninth biennial conference today.
Govind Singh, president of the School Managers’ Association, expressed significant concern about the alarming drug situation within educational institutions. He noted that teachers have shared frustrations about the lack of effective measures being implemented to combat these challenges. Many teachers reported that they feel disrespected, as students have been openly defiant, using harsh language towards educators.
Moreover, some educators pointed out instances where students arrived at school under the influence, exhibiting symptoms such as bloodshot eyes. This has raised heightened concerns following Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s March statement advocating for surveillance checks in schools to tackle the drug issue; however, teachers report no progress on this front.
Efforts to receive a response from the Ministry of Education regarding interventions, such as bag checks, have so far been unfruitful. Singh indicated that while community involvement has been vital, there is a disconnect among stakeholders, including school authorities, management, and the Ministry of Education, which hinders effective collaboration. He emphasized that although the association has built nearly all community and faith-based schools, they are still unaware of what transpires within them due to the lack of communication.
Singh believes that drug issues stem from community behavior rather than school environments, calling for parents to engage proactively. He remarked that in the past, there were regular educational forums designed to facilitate communication and problem-solving, which have since been eliminated without replacement.
Earlier this month, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s belongings before they leave for school, highlighting the need for family involvement in discouraging drug use.
In summary, the discussion at the conference aims to address critical issues affecting schools in Fiji, emphasizing the necessity for a collaborative approach involving parents, educators, and the community. Acknowledging these challenges is the first step towards implementing effective solutions that can create a safer and more conducive learning environment for students.
Encouragingly, this conference provides an essential platform for stakeholders to come together and seek constructive solutions to these pressing issues, fostering hope for improved student behavior and drug-free schools in the future.
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