The Education Minister Mr Filipe Bole has called on teachers to refrain from inflicting corporal punishment on students.
“Teachers must not in any way inflict corporal punishment on students. Those who continue to disregard instructions show lack of initiative and creativity. They are bullies in the sense that they are assaulting young students who are powerless, helpless and cannot retaliate due to their size and physical strength,” Mr Bole said.
“Use methods learnt at the teacher training institution and your experience as a teacher to impart knowledge and to discipline students. There are proper channels to follow if you are too angry to handle a student.”
Parents are also requested to monitor their children’s behavior and keep telling them of the proper way to behave while at school, at church, in the school bus or even when they are with friends.
“In our different communities, we all have a role to play in the grooming of future citizens of our country. It is hoped that we will all reflect on our different roles and activate them to build a better Fiji.”
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