The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) is urgently advocating for measures to combat rising violence, stress, and safety concerns affecting teachers within schools. General Secretary Muniappa Goundar addressed these issues during a recent meeting with the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, highlighting an alarming increase in bullying and aggression towards educators.
Goundar provided disturbing examples, including instances where teachers have been physically assaulted by students, such as a kindergarten teacher being slapped by a primary school student on public transport and another teacher who faced aggression within the school grounds. He emphasized that many teachers feel their safety is inadequate and called for these risks to be included in the Work Care Bill to enhance protection for educators.
Additionally, Goundar stressed the importance of a robust support system for teachers, advocating for timely claims processing, relocation support for those affected by violence, and compensation for injuries and mental stress experienced in the line of duty. He also brought attention to the physical strains many teachers suffer due to demanding working conditions, highlighting concerns about voice strain, hypertension, and back injuries resulting from long hours of teaching.
Furthermore, the FTU is pushing for the establishment of a Teacher Protection Policy, complementing existing Child Protection Policies aimed at ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for educators. This aligns with ongoing discussions calling for a comprehensive review of the Education Act and better measures to safeguard teachers’ welfare.
Reflecting on previous calls for action, Goundar’s advocacy has been reinforced by a heightened awareness and concern among parents regarding the safety and well-being of educators. Improvements in policy and education sector engagements signal a promising shift toward creating a more secure and nurturing environment for both teachers and students, ultimately enhancing the quality of education in Fiji.
As conversations around teacher welfare continue, there is hope that collaborative efforts between the government, educational authorities, and community leaders will lead to effective solutions addressing these pressing issues, fostering a more respectful and inclusive educational atmosphere.
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