President Wiliame Katonivere says the element of respect between educators and iTaukei students is declining.
Speaking during the opening of the Fijian Teachers Association annual delegates conference at the Suva Civic Centre on Monday, Mr Katonivere drew examples from his upbringing, saying parental guidance in his formative years helped shape him into the leader he is today.
“I was brought up in an environment strict in discipline,” he said.
“I was taught to value time, to respect my elders, to observe permission, to make right decisions and to do things without being reprosecuted or complemented, my mother was a true disciplinarian.
“In retrospect, I believe that the discipline in my formative years moulded me into my role as a traditional leader, secondly as a leader of the nation.
“I relate to you my experience because the element of respect between educators and students especially among the iTaukei today is declining.
“It must be addressed if you want to produce leaders in our communities, youth groups, churches and professional space.”
He said the power of education cannot be understated as it is a catalyst for transformative change.
“The sustainability and prosperity of the vanua, our nation, our communities and our family are dependent upon the instruction both formal and informal, including values of compassion instilled in our children and youths.”
He said educators were an extension of the home in terms of reinforcing teachings instilled by parents.
“The education of our children and youth and education in general is a subject that I am very passionate about.
“In this era, young minds are surrounded by a plethora of social ills, peer influences, illegal substances, cyberbullying.
“It is befitting as educators and guardians to share experiences and lessons from constructive disciplinary strategies.”
He commended past and present educators for their contributions to the education sector.
“I urge you all to actively participate in the development of our nation, guided by the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially going forward in education as well as your commitment to achieving maximum targets.”
