MINISTRY PLANS TO COMBAT DRUGS

THE Ministry of Education will look at strategic plans to combat the
problem of drugs in schools as counselling programmes have been
ineffective, Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa says.

Responding to an incident at Suva Grammar School in which a
16-year-old student admitted selling marijuana to other students early
this week, Ro Teimumu said the incident was a matter of concern and
should be addressed to prevent it from happening again.

"The counselling programmes have not been effective because students
continue to get involved in incidents like drug dealing and other
mischievous acts," Ro Teimumu said.

But she said parents were the first teachers and should keep a close
watch over children.

"Parents and guardians play a very important role and should know the
whereabouts of their children.

"They should spend as much time as they can with their children and
build a closer relationship."

Fiji Teachers Union general secretary Agni Singh said disciplinary
actions such as expelling the student would not help.

"The first thing to be done is to find the root of the problem," he
said.

"It will be important to know who the supplier of the drugs is and the
reason for selling it," Mr Singh said.

He said counselling could help.

"The parents, police and the ministry should get together to assist
the student and counsel her to learn from her mistakes and become a
better student."

Mr Singh said students who were first time offenders should always be
given a second chance.

The student admitted selling drugs to other students when questioned
by police this week.

Police spokesman Kolinio Vunaki said the discovery was made when the
school management found the drugs on another student.