Concerns over escalating student violence have come to the forefront, with a staggering 33,058 violence-related incidents reported in the Nausori area in 2025. In response to these alarming statistics, the Government has inaugurated a new Student Support Services Hub dedicated to early intervention and prevention efforts.
The Hub was officially unveiled at Sila Central High School by Minister Aseri Radrodro, marking the fifth such facility established across the country, with additional hubs anticipated to launch later this year. This initiative is fully funded by the Australian Government, which contributed $45,000 for refurbishment, providing a safe, confidential, and fully equipped environment where students can access professional counselling services.
The Ministry of Education will oversee the facility, ensuring it is staffed with a dedicated counsellor to offer ongoing support. During the opening, Mr. Radrodro emphasized the importance of timely access to professional help, especially given that violence constitutes 16 percent of reported student cases in Nausori. He remarked, “Professional support at the right time can prevent small problems from becoming serious ones.”
Designed to assist students from Tailevu, Rewa, and Naitasiri, the Hub offers psychosocial support, guidance, and necessary referrals to specialized services. It also aligns with key national frameworks, such as the Fiji National Drug Policy, the Child Protection Policy in Schools, and the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council framework. “This is not just the opening of a building,” Mr. Radrodro stated. “It is a safe and confidential space where students can speak openly about what they are going through.”
In addition to the significant number of violence cases, statistics from 2025 reveal 3,143 drug-related incidents, 1,024 sexual-related cases, and 248 social media-related issues in Nausori schools. The initiative has garnered positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents, indicating that counselling is increasingly perceived as a form of support rather than punishment. The Hub is set to reinforce prevention efforts, early intervention, and recovery strategies, ensuring that vulnerable students receive assistance before challenges escalate.
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