THE drug problem confronting Fiji’s children is no longer a problem that can be left at the school gate.
With 3143 drug-related cases recorded in primary and secondary schools in 2025, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has issued a blunt warning that teachers and the Ministry of Education cannot fight the problem alone.
The latest figures show 1508 cases in primary schools and 1635 in secondary schools.
This followed 3627 cases in 2023 and 3041 in 2024.
Responding to Opposition MP Hem Chand in Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Radrodro said the figures remained below 2 per cent of the student population, but the ministry’s focus was to prevent that proportion from increasing.
“The ministry’s objective is to keep the level of drug-related cases in our schools below 2 per cent through continued prevention, counselling, mentoring and support,” he said.
The cases involved suki, cigarettes, vaping products, alcohol, inhalant glue and marijuana.
“There were no reported cases of methamphetamine used in school during the period.”
Where are these students now?
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the ministry’s response is what happens to students after they are caught.
Rather than simply removing them from school, the Government says the emphasis is on keeping them within the education system while addressing the circumstances behind their behaviour.
“The question is; where are these students now that had been reported,” Mr Radrodro asked.
“These students remain in the school system with the aim of ensuring that they complete their secondary education.”
He said affected students were monitored by teachers and child protection officers, with parents and guardians involved in follow-up support.
For families seeking a change of school, the Substance Abuse Advisory Council works with education officials and parents to facilitate a “find another school” (FAS) arrangement.
Mr Radrodro says for students in Years 11, 12 and 13, counselling may also identify whether an alternative or vocational pathway is more appropriate.
“And where parents prefer this option, SAAC assists with facilitating enrolment in trade skills training.”
Marijuana cases can reach police
Mr Radrodro said the response becomes more formal when students are involved with illicit drugs.
“For students involved in illicit drugs, such as marijuana, SAAC works with the Police Juvenile Unit and the Department of Children to provide support and ensure that the student is treated fairly through the justice process.”
For cases involving tobacco products, alcohol or kava, schools work with parents, child protection officers and counsellors to identify underlying issues and determine the appropriate intervention.
He said where an illicit drug was involved, the school was required to make a formal report to police for intervention or further investigation.
But the student remains surrounded by a support system involving parents, guardians and counsellors.
‘We cannot do it alone’
For Mr Radrodro, the biggest challenge extends far beyond school grounds.
He said teachers’ responsibility for disciplining students was confined to the school boundary and school environment.
“Once students walk out of the school gate, this is considered a public area, and student activities become the responsibility of other stakeholders, not just the teachers or the Ministry for Education.”
He pointed to a simple reality: children spend considerable time at home.
“Students, as we all know, spend more time at home than in school.
“Early in the morning they come to school from home, and then they return home.”
His message was unequivocal.
“I am sure you will agree with me that the Ministry of Education cannot hold the bulls by the horns alone.”
Instead, he called for a collective response involving families, the vanua, Government, religious organisations and civil society.
“We need to have a united front from the family unit, vanua, government, religious organisations and civil society to restrain drug problems.”
Discipline — but support first
The ministry has reviewed its school drugs policy and counselling policy, strengthening the role of teachers in monitoring students, providing support and referring them for further assistance.
When a drug-related case is identified, parents are called to the school.
“The school disciplinary committee considers the circumstances and makes recommendations to the head of school,” Mr Radrodro said.
Depending on the seriousness of the incident, disciplinary action can include loss of privileges, school community work, self-reflection, journalling, suspension or a last warning.
Finding another school is normally the final option.
Mr Radrodro said students could also be referred for mentoring through child protection officers or faith-based leaders, while serious cases were referred to divisional counsellors or SAAC.
Training those on the frontline
The Government is also putting greater emphasis on prevention.
Mr Radrodro said since 2024, 170 secondary school child protection officers and 94 primary school child protection officers have received training facilitated by SAAC, the Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Health.
The training covered drugs, child protection and psychological support.
This year, 138 school chaplains and faith-based leaders also received training in drugs, child protection and basic counselling skills.
Mr Radrodro said the training included Christian, Hindu and Muslim faith-based leaders.
SAAC has also provided good character training to 1119 Year 8 students between 2024 and 2026.
The Fiji Police Force continues school visits covering drugs, crime prevention, personal safety, bullying, juvenile offending and other issues affecting young people.
Eyes on schools
The ministry is also expanding CCTV coverage.
Mr Radrodro said previously, cameras had been installed in 154 schools — 108 primary and 46 secondary.
That has now increased to 222 schools, comprising 144 primary and 78 secondary schools.
That is an increase of 68 schools.
He said the ministry had four divisional counsellors and 26 ministry counsellors, supported by five SAAC counsellors.
It is also working with the ministries responsible for policing and health, the Department of Children, parents, communities and faith-based organisations.
Mr Radrodro said UNICEF was supporting drug-related workshops for teachers and parents, while DFAT was providing technical and financial support for education district counselling services and refresher training.
Building resilience before drugs take hold
The Government is also relying on the “brighter minds program”, introduced in Fiji in 2025 for children aged approximately five to 15.
The program focuses on self-regulation, confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, critical thinking and positive social behaviour.
About 239 schools and 289 teachers have undergone the training.
For Mr Radrodro, however, programs, policies and CCTV cannot replace the role of families and communities.
His message to Parliament was a reminder that Fiji’s response must begin before a child reaches the point of a drug-related incident.
“As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, we must continue to work together to protect our children, strengthen our schools and address the drug problems in our communities.”
