Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, is calling on school administrations to conduct spot checks as part of a broader strategy to combat drug use among students. He stressed the necessity of vigilance and urged parents to actively supervise what their children bring to school.
His remarks follow a recent incident in which primary school students were reported to the police for allegedly smoking marijuana. “Parents need to check what their children are taking to school,” Gounder stated. He advocated for regular spot checks to ensure thorough scrutiny of items being brought onto school premises. This proactive approach, he believes, would help identify banned substances and foster an environment where students are aware of the repercussions of drug possession.
Concerned by the rising incidents related to drugs, he remarked, “There are so many cases, yet nothing significant is being done. Spot checks are crucial in this fight.” Gounder also called for greater participation from local law enforcement agencies to enhance drug awareness initiatives in schools. “Disciplined forces should actively patrol schools to educate students about the dangers of drug use,” he emphasized, adding that drug education efforts should not be confined to a single week but must be continuous.
Mr. Gounder highlighted the critical role of education, urging that raising awareness about the harmful effects of drugs should be a paramount concern for both schools and communities.
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