Rising Concerns: Teenage Pregnancies Ignite Urgent Call for Change in Rotuma’s Schools

ROTUMA High School has reported three cases of teenage pregnancies in 2024, with the youngest case involving a Year 10 student. Teacher Jone Volitilau expressed concern over the rising trend of teenage pregnancies on the island, noting a similar number of cases recorded the previous year. He explained that many students lack motivation to pursue tertiary education and often miss school for cultural events, which can lead to limited educational outcomes.

Mr. Volitilau emphasized that the arrival of boats carrying supplies often results in a significant drop in school attendance, as students help their families with unloading cargo and earning money. “It’s become the norm for students to skip school during these events,” he remarked.

Furthermore, he identified several infrastructural challenges facing the school, such as inadequate classroom ventilation and unreliable electricity, which hampers students’ concentration during lessons. Some classrooms are in disrepair, with missing windows, while a portion of the school’s quarters requires urgent maintenance.

These issues were previously raised with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro during his visit to the island last year. However, questions sent to him regarding solutions have gone unanswered. The community seeks not only immediate resolution to educational challenges but also a concerted effort to address the rising rates of teenage pregnancy, which contributes to broader socioeconomic issues.

Both this article and previous reports highlight the need for a collective community response to address teenage pregnancy effectively, which has been acknowledged by various community leaders, including officials from the Methodist Church in Fiji. They emphasize shared responsibility in tackling these challenges, especially in light of the rising rates during school breaks and community gatherings.

Addressing the root causes, improving educational infrastructure, and fostering discussions around sexual health are crucial steps that can lead to a healthier, more informed younger generation, paving the way for a brighter future in Rotuma and beyond.