Students hang from carriers and some sit on top to get to school in Ra – concerned parent

A parent and teacher of a school in the interior of Ra has raised concerns about the safety of rural students as some of them have resorted to hanging or sitting on top of a carrier to reach school because the carrier is overcrowded.

While speaking at the public consultation on the review of the Education Act of 1966 at Rakiraki Market Hall, the concerned teacher asked members of the commission and government officials if they could stand beside the road and witness how overcrowded the vehicles are when they are coming to school or going home after school.

He says safety is a problem for those travelling in carriers as they stand most of the time.

He also says it is different for those students residing in towns and cities as they will be sitting comfortably on seats.

The concerned teacher also raised the issue of transportation because two of their students have left the school this year as they are living far.

The concerned parent also raised the issue of the unfair treatment of students with low marks being enrolled in secondary schools.

He says he believes some schools are prioritizing students with higher marks than those with low marks.

He adds they understand that there is a no-repeat policy within the Ministry and hopes the review team will look into this matter.

While responding to the concerns raised by the parent, a review commission member says they can put together a transport safety policy for students.

She acknowledged the parent for raising such issues and said this is what is really happening on the ground.

The consultation on the Review of the Education Act 1966 is underway at the Nadi Civic Centre today.