Concerns raised about students who receive food aid in schools being teased by some fellow students

Serious concerns have been raised as some students who receive free lunch in schools are being teased by some fellow students.

Fijivillage has received reports from the ground about this act of bullying and we have also received reports from some parents assisting in providing the lunch that some of these vulnerable children have either opted to stay away from school or are not coming forward to take the free lunch.

Save The Children Fiji CEO, Shairana Ali says this is a very concerning issue.

Ali says a concerted effort is needed to counter this bullying in schools.

The founder and CEO of Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development or FRIEND, Sashi Kiran says generally they find that students who have to get food aid are more embarrassed.

Kiran says they are concerned the impact this will have on the affected children’s mental health. She says teachers also play a critical part in the way this is handled.

FRIEND Fiji, TISI Sangam and the Civil Society Organizations Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response have come together to open a help centre in Navakai, Nadi where those that have been affected by COVID-19 can seek assistance. Fijivillage requests you to please talk to your children to ensure that the vulnerable children are protected and are not ridiculed for getting the much needed free lunch in school.

If you want to assist FRIEND Fiji, you can contact them on 8983183 or friend@connect.com.fj