Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, a member of the Supreme Court of Samoa, has emphasized the urgent need for teacher training programs in Fiji to incorporate alternative discipline techniques, during the National Dialogue on Corporal Punishment. He asserted that relying on corporal punishment as a means to address unruly student behavior is ineffective and detrimental.
Addressing the pressing issues faced by teachers in managing classroom behavior, Justice Nelson stressed that educators are seldom prepared with non-violent strategies to handle challenging student conduct. He firmly believes that training courses for teachers should encompass various methods of addressing classroom issues, particularly concerning violent or disruptive students.
“We don’t train them in other forms of discipline. I believe we should. It should be part of teacher training courses to include other ways of handling problems in the classroom,” stated Justice Nelson. He highlighted that empowering educators with such tools benefits not only the students but also parents and the broader community.
By advocating for non-violent methods of discipline, he underscores the necessity for a shift in perspective. “You are there to teach them, not teach them to hit other people, or that violence is the solution,” he remarked, suggesting that cultivating alternative teaching and parenting methods can be beneficial across various societal levels.
The commentary from Justice Nelson aligns with recent discussions in Fiji regarding the call by Netani Druavesi, the president of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA), for the reinstatement of corporal punishment. This proposal has been met with considerable backlash from community leaders and organizations advocating for children’s rights, who argue that such measures equate to child abuse and have severe long-term impacts on children’s mental health and educational outcomes.
The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the push for corporal punishment contradicts Fiji’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect children from violence. Statistics indicating that five out of every six children in Fiji endure some form of abuse or neglect only amplify the urgency of this dialogue.
The overall sentiment among various stakeholders suggests a pivotal moment for Fiji’s education system. There is increasing hope for a constructive and compassionate shift towards discipline that prioritizes children’s emotional and psychological well-being. As discussions continue, the focus remains on fostering an educational environment that nurtures respectful and supportive interactions among students and educators, paving the way for healthier communities.
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