Fiji Police Commissioner Urges Parents to Prioritize Education

Police Commissioner urges parents to prioritise children’s education and cut social distractions

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has urged iTaukei and all parents to pare back social obligations and place their children’s education at the fore. Speaking at Nakauvadra High School’s cadet passing-out parade last week, he acknowledged parental efforts but pressed that more is needed to truly know and support their children, understand their ambitions, and help them realise their potential.

“To you parents, thank you for supporting your child’s education,” Tudravu said. “Our role as parents is to support them in realising their potential. Let’s cut down on social obligations, and other things we usually commit most of our time to.” He also noted that social events like weddings or tevutevu would continue with or without their participation, but warned that when there are issues with how you raise your child, their future will be affected.

The remarks reflect a broader, ongoing message from Tudravu about the central role of parental leadership in shaping youth behavior and outcomes. In recent appearances at other schools’ passing-out parades, including Nadroga Arya College, he has stressed the importance of consistent parental engagement—being involved in daily life, minimizing distractions such as excessive phone use, and guiding children away from negative peer influences. He has also linked youthful missteps to gaps in trusted adult supervision, calling for stronger relationships between families, schools, and law enforcement to foster a safer environment for Fiji’s youth.

While Tudravu’s comments focus on daily parenting practices, they align with broader calls from community leaders to collaborate across families and institutions to steer young people toward constructive choices. Supportive parenting, he suggests, can help reduce crime and create a brighter future for Fiji’s younger generations.

Practical takeaways for readers
– Prioritise family time: Schedule regular, distraction-free time with children to discuss school, goals, and challenges.
– Limit nonessential distractions: Consider reducing time spent on phones and nonessential social events when they impact quality time with children.
– Strengthen open dialogue: Build trust so children feel comfortable sharing problems early, enabling timely guidance.
– Engage with schools: Attend parent-teacher meetings and stay informed about children’s academic and social development.
– Model respectful behavior: Demonstrate accountability, discipline, and respect for authority as foundations for children’s choices.

Summary in Fijian
Subheading: Na iVosei ni Vosa e Viti

Na Komisionera Tudravu e kerea na matua me ra vakavinakataki na nodra vuli na luve talega me ra kila na luve kei na nodra inaki, ka me vakatovolei na gauna ni vakamacalataki kei na social life. E tukuna ni bibi me ra vakarau tu ena vuli, ka dodonu me vakalewai na veika e vakavuna na gone me raica na inaki ni nodra vuli. E tukuna talega me dodo na gauna ni tevutevu kei na veika vakapolitiki ni vanua me baleta na luve, me rauraici na nodra vusino ena vuli. E vakatou sara ga ena veika kecega me baleta na nodra liu o ira na gone, me qai mai vakalewai na luve.

Note: The Fijian summary above provides a concise interpretation of the English article for Fijian readers, highlighting the core message about prioritising children’s education and reducing distractions to support their development.