Huge support in Naitasiri for reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools

A lot of people who attended the consultation on the Education Bill conducted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights at Nakorovatu Village in Naitasiri support the reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools.

However, two participants did not support the reintroduction of corporal punishment.

The consultation was on the Referendum Bill, Education Bill and Criminal Record Bills.

While supporting the reintroduction of corporal punishment, Nakorovatu Village Headman Iliesa Rokoului says corporal punishment is used to discipline a child.

He says nowadays, children's behaviour is getting out of control and it is a headache to teachers when they are trying to teach children. 

Nakorovatu Villager Nikola Dauvatoga urges the committee to reintroduce corporal punishment as most of the children nowadays are very disrespectful. 

Naibuka Koroi says he supports the bringing back of corporal punishment but it should be used to the extent that it disciplines the students.

He says it should not be excessively used where it causes harm to the student. 

Koroi says if a student is hurt because of corporal punishment, then the law will come back and bite the person.

Buisiga Villager Joeli Karavaki says corporal punishment should be brought back as it is an added job for many teachers to control the behaviour of students nowadays.

He says disciplining students should start at home and parents should take their responsibility seriously.

Naqali Villager Senitiki Cakau says he does not support the use of corporal punishment to discipline a child. 

He says a lot of adults today are hot-headed people and cannot control their anger.

Cakau says the government should look at other means of disciplining students.

Meanwhile, all the participants today supported that the 2013 Constitution should be changed as it hinders the development of the people.

Around 40 to 50 people from different villages in Naitasiri turned up at Nakorovatu to be part of the consultation. 

Committee Chair Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure acknowledged the submissions by the villagers in Naitasiri today.

He says this is the first of many consultations on the three Bills and tomorrow, they will be in Namosi.

He adds that they will also conduct consultations in the North, Taveuni, Lau Group and maritime islands as they want to hear from the people what they want in the Bills.