Empowering Schools: A Bold Call to Tackle Substance Abuse Challenges

The President of the School Management Association has called for increased authority for school management to combat the rising issues of drug use and substance abuse among students. During a workshop dedicated to reviewing the Education Act, Govind Singh expressed concerns that these challenges have escalated significantly since the current Education Act was established in 1966.

Singh emphasized that the nature of student behavior has changed, with issues like substance abuse becoming crucial factors that were not adequately addressed in the past legislation. He advocated for the incorporation of new measures into the Act that would give school leaders the authority to intervene effectively and maintain discipline within schools.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Ratu Meli Nacuva, also highlighted the necessity of aligning the Act with the best practices and educational priorities identified in the 2023 Denarau Declaration, which addresses modern educational challenges.

This call for additional authority comes alongside previous discussions highlighting that teacher concerns about student behavior have been ongoing. Reports from teachers indicate there have been significant frustrations regarding the lack of effective measures to address the alarming trends of drug use in schools. Teachers have noted instances of students exhibiting clear signs of being under the influence, leading to calls for serious intervention strategies.

Singh’s emphasis on the need for greater authority is a crucial part of a broader conversation aimed at fostering a collaborative approach between schools and communities. He stressed that the roots of these problems often lie within the community, suggesting that proactive engagement from parents and local stakeholders is essential.

While the challenges posed by these issues are notable, the ongoing workshop and discussions provide a hopeful opportunity for school management to devise strategies that can lead to meaningful change. By addressing these concerns collaboratively, there is potential for fostering a safer and more supportive educational environment for all students.