The general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, Muniappa Gounder, is urging school administrators to implement spot checks as part of a broader strategy to combat drug use among students. He highlighted the necessity for parents to remain vigilant and to monitor what their children bring to school.
Gounder’s comments come after primary school students were referred to the police last week for allegedly smoking marijuana. He emphasized the need for parents to closely check their children’s belongings.
“Spot checks should be conducted regularly to ensure that all items and individuals are thoroughly examined. This method will help uncover prohibited items and foster a culture where students recognize the consequences of bringing such substances to school,” he stated.
He expressed alarm over the rising number of drug-related incidents, commenting, “There are numerous cases occurring, yet little significant action is being taken. Spot checks are vital in this battle.”
Gounder also called for greater engagement from local law enforcement to enhance awareness within schools. “Police should actively patrol educational institutions to educate students about the dangers associated with drug use,” he noted. “Drug education cannot be limited to a single week; it requires ongoing efforts.”
Underscoring the crucial role of education, Gounder affirmed that informing children about the harmful effects of drugs should be a priority for both schools and communities.
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