ONE point seven (1.7) per cent of the total number of students use illicit drugs, according to National Substance Abuse Advisory Council acting CEO Josua Naisele.
He told a Fiji Sewashram Sangha youth workshop the statistic is based on figures collected by the council last year and does not include 2025 data.
“We want to create awareness in schools so that we can reduce or maintain this percentage, not to go above 2 per cent,” Mr Naisele said.
“This percentage is what happens in schools, what happens outside school we don’t know.”
He said primary students, including female students, have also been caught with illicit drugs.
“In school, there are illicit drugs — suki and cigarettes.
“During counselling, we usually see when a child is being referred for using marijuana, that child started off with suki and cigarette.
“Then they climb up the ladder until they try marijuana and get a way to white powder.”
Citing family breakdowns, Mr Naisele said these also contributed to children turning to drugs.
“Marriage life in a family must be protected, especially if there are children.
“During counselling, we find out family break-ups also contribute to children turning to drugs.
“Sometimes their stories can be very emotional. So parents, connect well with your children.”
Mr Naisele urged faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to help create awareness of drug and substance abuse.
“When we organise this program here, or in church groups, I’m really happy because this is the way of getting the message across.
“So if we want our children to stay away from drugs, there are few things that we really need to do. Number one — the family has to be their strength.
“Keep reminding them of the importance of good values, good characters.”