The chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, emphasized the importance of parental involvement during the passing-out parade at Ratu Sukuna Memorial School yesterday. He urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s upbringing over personal interests, highlighting the crucial role they play in nurturing future generations.
Ratu Seruvakula pointed out that while teachers and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have established the foundations for education, the responsibility now lies with the parents until the children can support themselves. He acknowledged the multitude of challenges facing young people today, many of which they do not fully comprehend, but can nonetheless adversely affect their lives.
He noted that it is essential for children to grow up free from the negative aspects of society, urging parents to take their role seriously in safeguarding their children’s development. “Sexual violation, drug abuse, and child trafficking are just a few of the threats our children encounter today,” he stated.
Ratu Seruvakula appealed to parents to set aside personal interests, such as socializing or seeking relief from stress, in favor of focusing on their children’s needs. He stressed that it is a moral obligation for parents to provide their children with the best possible upbringing and posed a reflective question about the kind of society they wish for their children to inherit.