Catholic Church run schools will train teachers in providing spiritual guidance to their students

The Catholic Church in Fiji has sent their education circular to all their schools which highlights that teachers should be first taught on how they can share their experiences on COVID-19 with their students.

Archbishop Peter Loy Chong says they had wanted to discuss this matter with the Ministry of Education before school started but they could not and they have taken the move to send their circular to their schools.

Archbishop Chong says first they wanted to assist teachers with their experiences of COVID-19, so these teachers can act as counsellors for students who may be suffering from the effects of COVID-19 and Tropical Cyclone Harold.

He says this has been practised by some of their schools last week and they have received a positive response from the Heads of schools.

He adds while money and food are important, students' mental health is as important as this and this is where the churches should step in to guide them spiritually so there is comfort for a child during this time of crisis.