The Ministry of Education has launched action against an education officer who allegedly facilitated an unapproved visit by a foreign church group to Natabua High School, breaching strict school access and student safety protocols.
The incident came to light after a video circulated on social media showing an interaction between a member of the Steadfast Baptist Church Group and a student during the group’s visit on 16 July 2026.
In a response, Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro directed the Permanent Secretary for Education, Navin Raj, to take necessary action against the education officer responsible for allowing the visit without proper Ministry approval.
The group consisted of members from Houston, Texas, in the United States, along with a US national based in the Philippines.
This morning, Minister Radrodro met with representatives from the United States Embassy, who confirmed they had “no prior knowledge” of or involvement in the group’s activities in Fiji.
Minister Radrodro used the opportunity to reaffirm the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to student safety and the integrity of school access procedures.
“Our schools must remain safe and secure learning environments for every child,” said Radrodro.
“The Ministry has clear approval processes in place to safeguard students, and these requirements must be observed at all times. No organisation or individual should conduct activities in schools without the Ministry’s approval.”
The Minister stressed that all Ministry officers and school administrations are expected to strictly follow approval protocols for any external visits or activities. Where photography, filming, or publication of student images is involved, parental consent must also be obtained.
An investigation is now underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident, determine whether Ministry policies were breached, and recommend appropriate administrative measures.
The Ministry has reminded all organisations and individuals that “prior written approval” is mandatory before any engagement with students on school premises.
