Concerns are growing within Fiji’s education sector as reports reveal that students are increasingly showing up to class under the influence of methamphetamine. This alarming trend, with over 3,000 drug-related incidents documented in schools last year, has triggered calls for urgent intervention, including a suggestion for military involvement to combat the escalating issue.
The National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC) disclosed that five students admitted to using meth, commonly known as “ice.” Josua Naisele, acting director of the NSAAC, emphasized that these figures likely only reflect a fraction of the problem, indicating that many cases remain unreported. Teacher unions have reported witnessing students appearing high during lessons, prompting concerns about the sufficiency of preventive measures in place.
Fiji Teachers Association (FTA) general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga expressed deep concern, stating, “Yes, the FTA is very concerned. We’ve received reports from teachers about students found with meth. It’s out of control.” Teachers have accused authorities of failing to adequately address the inflow of drugs into educational environments.
Although drug incidents have seen a slight decline from 3,500 in 2023 to 3,041 in 2024, Mr. Naisele maintained that these numbers are still unacceptably high. Compounding the issue, it has been reported that mental health struggles among students are closely linked to substance use, as noted by Naisele who highlighted that issues such as drugs, violence, and self-harm are interconnected.
To tackle this escalating crisis, the NSAAC plans to establish the first school-based counseling hub in Nausori by July, with aspirations for expansion across all educational districts. Opposition politicians have also called for mandatory counseling training for teachers to strengthen the educational system’s response to this urgent situation.
Moreover, the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) general secretary Muniappa Goundar referred to the growing drug problem as a “disease” and underscored the necessity for a nationwide strategy to combat it. “Parents must be told. They need to be reminded of their responsibilities,” he added, emphasizing the role of parental engagement in addressing this critical challenge.
The current scenario calls attention not only to the immediate needs of addressing drug abuse within schools but also signals a larger societal issue. The planned establishment of counseling services and increased awareness initiatives could pave the way for positive change, fostering safer environments for students and reducing the prevalence of drug use among Fiji’s youth.
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