There have been alarming reports of students in the Western Division of Fiji fainting at school due to what has been described as “starvation.” This grave issue was highlighted by teacher Ravind Kumar during a recent consultation on the review of the Education Act held in Ba. Kumar reported that several children attend school without food, and some collapse by recess due to not having eaten breakfast.
Kumar noted that this situation stems from parental neglect, as some parents fail to wake their children up in the morning to prepare meals. He indicated that while teachers strive to provide meals through school canteens, some children are too shy or embarrassed to ask for help. This issue places teachers in the difficult position of learning about students in need from their peers.
Kumar further criticized the lack of attendance monitoring and emphasized the irresponsibility of parents who enroll their children in urban schools but neglect their responsibilities, leaving their kids unsupervised while they return to their villages. He warned that the absence of guidance has led some students to frequent nightclubs, further jeopardizing their well-being.
Responding to these concerns, Education Ministry Legal Draft consultant David Solvalu mentioned that a new Child Protection Act 2024 is in development, which aims to address these types of neglect more formally. This act will establish clearer responsibilities for parents and guardians regarding child welfare and education.
The broader implications of these issues reflect a growing outcry within Fiji about the need to enhance parental engagement and accountability in children’s education, particularly amid troubling statistics that show a significant number of students dropping out of school. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has also emphasized these points in the past, indicating that between 2019 and 2023, 5,726 students dropped out of school before reaching Year 10.
A more proactive approach is necessary from both parents and the community to create a supportive environment for children. Advocating for compulsory education may also encourage parents to be more involved in their children’s schooling.
This moment presents an opportunity for families to strengthen their bonds and ensure that children receive proper guidance, care, and education. By addressing these issues collectively, there is hope for a more nurturing future for Fiji’s children.
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