Child protection officers will be available to assist students once classes resume should they face any trauma, says newly-appointed Minister for Education Premila Kumar.
She made the comments while virtually addressing the Fiji Principals Association conference on Thursday.
“The pandemic is also affecting the emotional condition of numerous families,” she said.
“The rise in domestic violence and child abuse are prevalent.
“You cannot ignore the fact that when schools open, many students will come back to school having gone through a lot of traumas.
“The role that schools will need to play in creating a safe environment for students to learn is absolutely critical.
“How will you ensure that students get the support they need to feel safe and gradually come out of the trauma?”
She said the ministry was working with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and UNICEF to provide child protection officers, training in child protection and positive classroom behaviour.
“We have also taken our 35 trained counsellors through a refresher program last week and they are better placed now to support students in their clusters.
“Heads of schools will need to ensure that your child protection officers are able to carry out this very important role, going forward.”
