The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Rosy Akbar met with representatives from the Fiji Police Force (FPF), Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to ensure efforts and operations are well coordinated for the safety and welfare of all Fijian students.
The Ministry addressed various issues that continue to affect students and parents around the country.
Some of the discussion included a coordinated effort between authorities to ensure children are safely transported to school and back home.
Hon. Minister Akbar, said, “I thank the FBOA for being considerate and for accommodating our students during difficult times. I also kindly urge the FBOA to improve their service delivery in relation to timely school drop offs and pickups especially for Primary Schools”. Younger students are at a vulnerable age and usually rely on specific timetables, any disruption to the bus schedule creates fear and uncertainty. I am glad to have had this dialogue with the relevant authorities as we are all committed towards enabling a safer environment for our children”.
The Fiji Police Force will now closely work with the FBOA to ensure students are protected when traveling in school buses. A number of cases have been reported where students are found to be seated on the edge of the window or on door steps. To ensure student safety FPF will conduct random inspections of school buses.
“We will alert our Heads of School to restrict student movement during school hours and approval will only be granted if a parent and/or guardian picks the child from school”, said Hon. Minister Akbar.
The Ministry urges the public to contact the National Police Command and Control Centre on 990 5296 should they find any student loitering in town during school hours.
Students are cautioned against truancy and parents are reminded to cooperate with School Heads in ensuring that children are in schools.
The FPF will also work with the Divisional Education Officers and Heads of School to ensure students are in schools. If a student is absent from school for a prolonged period without reason, the HOS will work with the nearest Station Officer to make home visitations.
The Ministry will continue to work with relevant authorities in ensuring children are well protected and committed to achieving academic excellence. The safety and welfare of all children are important to the Ministry and to Fiji.