21 Year 13 Queen Victoria School students who hit 37 Year 11 students at school have been removed from QVS and alternative schooling arrangements have been facilitated for them while the 37 affected Year 11 students have been provided with counselling and psychosocial support through the Ministry of Education, the Substance Abuse Advisory Council, the School Chaplain and the Ministry of Social Welfare.
While confirming this, Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro has reiterated the Ministry’s firm stance against bullying, intimidation, physical assault and all forms of violence in schools, following the serious incident at QVS involving the 37 Year 11 students and 21 Year 13 students from Verata House.
This is after serious concerns were raised by some parents of QVS following yet another bullying incident at the school where the Year 11 students were hit with sticks by the 21 Year 13 students.
fijivillage News was approached by concerned parents earlier this month and we reached out to the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro.
The concerned parents told us that the Year 11 students were lined up and the Year 13 students took sticks and hit the boys.
They say imagine being hit on their backs more than 85 times as the Year 13 students made 5 rounds each.
The parents say the affected Year 11 students could not sit for weeks.
We were informed on October 9th that the teacher found out about it, and took the matter to the Principal, and even to the Ministry.
The concerned parents have told fijivillage News that the Year 13 boys explained that it was part of an initiation process where the senior students hit the junior students who are going to enter into senior status next year.
The parents say by not complaining about this and no swift action being taken, it gives next year's seniors the opportunity to do this again next year, and the bullying cycle would continue.
Radrodro confirms that the information received by his Office from concerned parents and media reports prompted further attention to the incident.
He says the Ministry subsequently engaged with the school to establish the circumstances surrounding the matter and ensure that appropriate interventions were undertaken.
The Ministry has also identified concerns regarding the delay by school officials in reporting the incident.
Radrodro says such delays are unacceptable, as timely reporting is essential to ensuring the immediate safety of students, enabling appropriate intervention and fulfilling the duty of care entrusted to school authorities.
He says any failure to report serious incidents promptly undermines the Ministry’s ability to respond effectively and protect students.
The Minister says Heads of Schools and school officials are expected to act responsibly, professionally and without delay whenever incidents involving student safety and well-being arise.
He adds an advisory session was conducted with the Head of School and the students involved, followed by an awareness session involving the Fiji Police Force, Ministry representatives, school management, teachers and the School Chaplain.
These interventions focused on appropriate student conduct, child protection, the prevention of bullying and assault, and the importance of maintaining a safe school environment.
