The ongoing challenges of declining student behavior and increasing substance abuse in schools are set to be major topics at the ninth biennial conference of the School Management Association of Fiji today. Association president Govind Singh has expressed concern over the escalating drug-related issues within educational institutions. Teachers, who spoke anonymously to The Fiji Times, echoed these worries, stating that not enough is being done to combat the drug problem, as students often exhibit disrespectful behavior towards staff.
One teacher highlighted the alarming situation where some students attend school appearing visibly high and exhibiting signs of drug use. These concerns align with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s earlier call for drug spot checks and blood tests in schools, yet teachers report a lack of progress in these areas.
Efforts to communicate with the Ministry of Education regarding bag checks have gone unanswered, raising further concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies. Singh pointed out that while the association has been instrumental in building 98% of community and faith-based schools, there is a disconnection between school management and relevant authorities. He emphasized that the roots of drug issues lie within communities rather than within schools themselves, urging parents to collaborate on this important issue.
The situation raises a critical point about the need for a strong partnership between schools, parents, and local communities to address these social challenges effectively. Earlier this month, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu encouraged parents to inspect their children’s bags before they head to school, underlining the shared responsibility in tackling this issue.
In summary, although the issues of student behavior and drug use are serious, the call for community involvement and dialogue offers a hopeful pathway forward. Addressing these concerns together could foster a safer and more supportive environment for students.
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