A recent photo highlighting the deteriorating conditions of a well-known primary school on the outskirts of Suva has sparked significant concern. The degree of decay and abandonment observed in the school’s infrastructure is alarming.
Reflecting on personal experiences, it’s clear that schools are not just educational institutions but are seen as sanctuaries for learning where respect and camaraderie flourished. In the past, children greeted each other and their teachers with simple pleasantries, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. There was a collective responsibility among students to maintain cleanliness, courtesy, and etiquette, which helped nurture their educational journey.
Fundamental values such as gratitude, respect for property, and personal hygiene were ingrained in students from an early age. These lessons not only encouraged positive behaviors but also instilled a sense of pride in their learning environments. Daily prayers and discussions on moral values further contributed to developing well-rounded individuals who would later enrich society.
However, the current educational landscape presents a stark contrast. There appears to be a worrying disconnect between the importance of respect and discipline in schools today. With the removal of counselors and significant oversight from the Ministry of Education, teachers find themselves without the authority to maintain standards or discipline within the classroom. This shift has resulted in frustration among educators, many of whom seek opportunities elsewhere.
The tug-of-war between the Ministry of Education and school management has left many institutions powerless, as decisions about school leadership now lie outside the local community’s control. This dynamic, combined with the ministry’s stance on funding and teacher salaries, has contributed to a troubling decline in school conditions, which directly impacts the nearly 900 students receiving education there.
It is crucial for stakeholders to reassess priorities and ensure that schools are nurtured as welcoming spaces for learning rather than environments plagued by modern challenges. By putting young people’s well-being and education back at the forefront, communities can work to restore schools as respected institutions, bridging the gap between traditional values and contemporary needs.
Addressing these issues presents an opportunity for collective action—schools can reclaim their status as temples of learning. Communities, parents, teachers, and policymakers must unite to foster an environment where students thrive and respect is paramount. Together, we can make strides toward a brighter future for the next generation.
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