Amid the surge of drug cases infiltrating the school system and rising new HIV cases, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is urging all stakeholders to take collective responsibility in supporting the mental health and well-being of teachers.
Commission chair Pravesh Sharma emphasized that the well-being of educators is crucial for maintaining a productive and nurturing environment for students. He asserted that teachers play a vital role in developing an inclusive and resilient education system for children. Therefore, it is essential that the State, teacher unions, school managements, and parents acknowledge and support teachers’ mental health and psychosocial well-being.
Sharma pointed out that while there is a child protection policy in place, similar guidelines, strategies, and policies should be established for the protection of teachers. He highlighted the necessity for capacity building training for teachers to enhance their knowledge on responding to students with drug addiction issues, disciplinary procedures, and counselling students found with drugs in the classroom.
Additionally, teachers need to be educated on managing children with HIV and other health issues within the context of discrimination. Sharma stated that the State should invest in its teachers by providing not only resources but also training in crisis management in classrooms.
He noted that teachers are already struggling with job pressures, including large class sizes, limited resources, and high expectations from parents and school management, and now face the challenge of increasing drug and HIV cases, putting their mental health at risk.
The Commission is currently addressing issues related to staff accommodation to ensure teachers can live with dignity. Sharma underscored the collective responsibility to support teachers, suggesting strategies such as providing accessible mental health resources, including counselling services, support groups, and stress management workshops tailored to educators’ needs.
He also mentioned that the workload of teachers should be reviewed to ensure they have a manageable number of students and adequate planning time.