NANISE NEIMILA
“Teachers alone can’t stop abuse. This is a breakdown in our social values, and we need to fight it at every level from Government, school and at home.”
This was the message from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while opening the teacher’s quarters at Navuakece Primary School in Naitasiri during the week.
PM Bainimarama shared his outrage on the video from last year at Ratu Kadavulevu School that has been circulating online, showing a student being brutally beaten and bullied by his classmates.
“It broke my heart, I saw my own children and grandchildren in him, as I’m sure all parents did. While Police are investigating the matter, let me be clear: Fiji should have zero tolerance for this merciless behaviour.”
“Never mistake cruelty for normal child’s play. Students don’t view this vulnerable as any easy target for picking on or beating. That comes from speaking out, standing up, and protecting those who need it most.”
PM Bainimarama stressed to parents the need to know that abuse too often starts from home, and on the need to make it clear that wherever their children are, they must treat all Fijians with kindness and respect.
“Teachers, I plead that you work to create a culture of trust and love in your class-rooms that combats this behaviour before it starts.” The Ministry of Education has condemned the recent alleged cases of violence and stated clearly- “zero tolerance policy on any form of violence or abuse in schools”.
There has been an uproar on social media with many calling for strict action and the matter has been referred to that Fiji Police as to be investigated.