Teachers are calling for stronger measures to be implemented to ensure students return home safely after school, raising concerns about children spending extended periods at the Suva Bus Stand.
The issue was raised during a public consultation on the Education Act in Lami, where a teacher expressed concern about students spending a long time at the bus stand instead of boarding their buses and travelling home.
The teacher says Suva City Council officers regularly make announcements over the PA system, reminding students to board their buses and leave the area.
He says students could be exposed to social problems while spending extended periods at the bus stand, and believes stronger measures should be considered to protect their safety.
However, the teacher acknowledges that some students may be facing transport difficulties, which could explain why they remain at the bus stand after school.
Another teacher suggested reintroducing dedicated school buses to transport students directly between their schools and homes.
The teacher says this could reduce the number of students spending time at bus stands and provide safer transport arrangements.
Responding to the concerns, the Ministry of Education representative says students safety is a shared responsibility between the Ministry, teachers and parents.
He says parents must remind their children to travel directly home after school rather than remaining in town longer than necessary.
He also acknowledges teachers who go beyond their normal duties to help supervise students at bus stands.
He says the Ministry has heard the concerns and will look into the issue, including holding discussions with transport service providers.
He explains that students receiving transport assistance are registered to use specific bus services through their bus cards.
He stresses that parents have an important role in ensuring their children travel safely between school and home.
