Calls for the return of corporal punishment in schools — targeted specifically at iTaukei students — were raised by villagers of Galoa in Serua during submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights on the Education Bill this afternoon.
One villager, Alosio, told the Committee that corporal punishment should apply only to iTaukei students, arguing that crime statistics in Fiji show iTaukei people are disproportionately represented.
He says when people look at the statistics of crime in Fiji, it is the iTaukei who make up most of it.
He questions how teachers are expected to teach children manners when discipline is supposed to start from home.
Other villagers echoed the call, urging lawmakers to reinstate corporal punishment as a tool to correct behaviour among young people.
Another parent says she supports the reintroduction of corporal punishment, but with limits.
Another told the Committee that discipline at home remains effective, even for adult children.
He says though his daughter is working, he still disciplines his daughter to "fix her attitude".
He says this is why they support the reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools.
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