Serua parents fear punishment as children refuse to go to school

Parents in Korovisilou Village, Serua, have raised serious concerns over the compulsory education provisions in the proposed Education Bill, questioning whether the law unfairly penalises parents for circumstances they say are increasingly beyond their control.

During the public submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, villagers say a growing number of children in the community are refusing to attend school, leaving parents vulnerable to heavy penalties under the Bill.

Parents queried whether there is clear legal enforcement compelling children to attend school, and called for the penalty imposed on parents to be reduced.

Under the Education Bill, parents who fail to ensure their children attend school face a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months.

Several parents told the Committee that disciplinary challenges at home have worsened following the removal of corporal punishment, claiming some children are now “taking advantage of their rights” by refusing to go to school.

They say this leaves parents in an impossible position, unable to physically discipline their children, yet legally responsible if those children do not attend school.

Committee member Jone Usamate reminded villagers that child labour is also prohibited under the law, stressing that children should not be selling breadfruit, roti or other items to earn money for their families during school hours.

Usamate adds that members of the public have the right to report cases where school-aged children are seen out of school without a valid reason.

Standing Committee Chair Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure then clarified that the Education Bill gives the Permanent Secretary for Education the authority to question parents if a child is found not attending school.

Vakalalabure says that if there is no reasonable explanation provided, the Permanent Secretary for Education has the power to seek a court order compelling parents to ensure their children return to school.

He stressed to the parents that if they fail to comply with that court order, they may then face the maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment.

He says these provisions are aimed at protecting a child’s right to education and are clearly outlined in the Education Bill under compulsory education requirements.