The Ministry of Education is concerned with students going to the Oceania Athletics Championship at Apia, Samoa without giving notice.
These young athletes in the Fiji Athletics team are school students and the Ministry of Education was not told about the team’s preparation and tour until last night (20.06.11) on the Fiji TV One News.
There was no communication from the organisers of the tour about how these students’ studies would be accommodated.
The Oceania meet organisers and other relevant sporting bodies that include students in their tours need to remember that students remain under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. Their safety is protected under the Education Act.
While the ministry supports such initiatives, it is only appropriate that it is consulted and told at all times over any development regarding students’ participation in sports.
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