This is the result of the past few years, probably post-COVID-19 effects.
Thirty-nine percent out of the 90,000 student population, which is 35,100 students.
This is a great figure when considering Fiji’s population is even less than three quarter of a million.
The post-COVID-19 effect is not the only reason, and it shouldn’t just bear the blame.
The multiple associated factors and the root causes must be thoroughly investigated by stakeholders such as the ministry, teachers’ union bodies, and other respective NGOs.
I wouldn’t be surprised to find out if one of the reasons is due to this “Fiji in big drug mess”.
We can see many young criminals and drug peddlers in our communities.
In April this year, 52 charges were made, of which 49 were of serious offences. Eight juveniles were charged.
Juveniles are persons who have not reached or attained the age of 18 years (Refer to Section 2(K) Care and Protection of Children Act 2000).
This is a surprising figure for a month for Fiji.
If worked out for a year, it would approximately be 96 juveniles charged every year.
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