Calls are intensifying for a notable increase in the availability of professional counselors in schools across Fiji, as stakeholders express concerns that the country’s escalating drug crisis is surpassing the current support systems in place.
Leba Tamari, Advocacy Coordinator and Counseling Psychologist at Caritas Fiji, voiced the inadequacies of the education sector, highlighting that there is only one counselor allocated for each of the nine education districts under the Ministry of Education. This arrangement is deemed insufficient given the current complexities and widespread reach of the drug crisis impacting youth.
With thousands of students in primary and secondary institutions relying on limited psychosocial support, Tamari emphasized the pressing need for specialists, especially as the prevalence of methamphetamine use and addiction continues to rise among young people. She urged that the existing proposal presented to authorities should encompass provisions for placing professional counselors in each school, advocating that the scale of trauma faced by children today demands a robust counseling framework.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Eci Naisele, the Director of the Fiji Higher Education Commission, acknowledged the necessity of enhancing counseling services. Dr. Naisele outlined plans to deploy professional district counselors across all nine districts, with a phased approach to extend services to larger secondary and primary schools, recognizing the importance of building capacity in this critical area.
Currently, about 30 counselors are operational in schools as part of ongoing efforts to broaden access to necessary support services. However, Tamari raised additional concerns regarding rehabilitation and post-treatment support, underscoring that Fiji is limited to only one rehabilitation center for addressing drug addiction. She questioned the availability of specialized experts capable of managing the psychological and trauma-related issues associated with addiction, particularly as methamphetamine use becomes increasingly common.
Tamari also highlighted the risk of relapse for individuals emerging from rehabilitation programs who return to communities lacking sustained psychological support. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes a crucial need for a coordinated approach that extends beyond strict law enforcement measures. It advocates for the integration of professional counseling and trauma-informed care as central components in Fiji’s strategy to combat drug abuse within schools and communities.
This recognition and proactive initiative to address Fiji’s drug crisis through enhanced counseling services and rehabilitation underscores the commitment to fostering healthier environments for the nation’s youth.
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