The Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, when opening the Annual Children’s Pathfinder Fair 2025 at Albert Park this week reflected on the importance of guiding children on the right path, quoting Proverbs 22:6.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” He said this principle signified the nation’s collective responsibility to invest in its most important asset, our children, the future of Fiji.
The Pathfinder Club, a global movement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, focuses on the development of young people aged 10 to 15. Established in 1950, the program now has over 1.5 million members in more than 160 countries.
In Fiji, the Pathfinder movement is active in communities and is now being trialed in 11 schools in the Central Division, including SDA primary and secondary schools and ACS. The program teaches children practical life skills such as Bible study, first aid, health, camping, survival skills, public speaking, leadership, cultural identity, and community service.
The Fair brought together over 60 clubs and 1,000 children from the Central Region.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge the clear and united message demonstrated by the march this morning in support of healthy lifestyles and a direct stand against the growing trend of alleged drug trafficking and illicit drug use and substance abuse in our schools. We see your commitment, and the Coalition Government stands with you.”
“This is not a new problem, but it is one we are tackling with renewed purpose and collaboration. The Ministry of Education has a clear School Drug and Substance Abuse Policy, which serves as a framework for the prevention, intervention, and elimination of drug use in our schools.”
“To all our teachers and students, I want to be very clear: The Ministry of Education does not permit the possession, consumption, promotion, distribution, or sale of any harmful drugs within our school environments. Our policy has declared all schools to be smoke-free and drug-free. This is because drug and substance abuse is a matter of national concern, with direct and detrimental effects on the health and future of our young people.”
“Students, as future leaders, you must embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. Physical activity boosts creativity, academic performance, and essential life skills like teamwork and resilience,” he said. He added that the government is committed to acting in partnership with communities to keep children safe.
Minister Radrodro also reminded teachers, parents, and community stakeholders that education is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between schools, families, and the wider community. The Pathfinder Fair provides a platform for holistic child development, showcasing activities such as first aid, survival training, compass navigation, public speaking, and leadership skills. He noted that the Pathfinder program complements the national school curriculum, building discipline, resilience, leadership, and civic responsibility values aligned with the government’s priorities of quality education, healthy lifestyles, and youth empowerment. He acknowledged the vital role of faith-based organisations and teachers in nurturing the minds, hearts, and values of children.
Minister expressed gratitude to the Pathfinder Ministry, teachers, parents, and all community partners for their dedication. He also recognised the hard work of children and organisers and reinforcing the importance of guiding youth on the right path.