Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has voiced strong condemnation regarding an incident involving nine senior students from Queen Victoria School (QVS) who allegedly assaulted junior students earlier this week. During a media briefing, the Prime Minister expressed his concern about the shift in school culture, noting that such behaviors were not present during his time at the institution.
Rabuka urged parents and guardians to have important conversations with their children about values and behaviors before they enter the school environment. He also called on the involved senior students to stop their “hooliganism.”
The Ministry of Education has confirmed the reports of assault, revealing that junior students in Years 9 and 10 have been provided with counseling from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council and sent home for safety while awaiting further directions from school management. Although the situation is serious, the Fiji Police have stated that no formal complaints have been filed at this time.
This call for accountability is in line with previous statements made regarding bullying and inappropriate conduct at QVS. Rabuka, along with Minister For Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo, has emphasized the necessity of reform to address incidents of coercion and misconduct among students.
This incident serves as a critical wake-up call for QVS, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced oversight and effective policies to ensure student safety and foster a positive educational environment. There is hope that with the involvement of key community figures and support, Queen Victoria School can restore its reputation as a nurturing ground for future leaders, promoting a culture filled with respect and responsibility.
Leave a comment