Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua is urging iTaukei parents to take greater responsibility for their children's behaviour, following reports of alleged stone-throwing incidents during Diwali and vandalism in schools.
Qereqeretabua says she is deeply embarrassed by reports of what is happening in some iTaukei communities and is questioning whether parents are doing enough to instil discipline and respect in their children.
She questions where discipline, respect and parental guidance have gone, and whether parents are spending more time on their phones than looking after their children.
Qereqeretabua says reports of alleged stone-throwing incidents targeting places of worship and public transport during Diwali should be a serious concern for parents.
She also raises concerns about children vandalising their classrooms and questions the values being taught to them at home.
The Assistant Minister is challenging iTaukei parents who proudly speak about their vanua, religion and culture to reflect on whether they are practising the values they claim to uphold.
She also questions calls for Fiji to become a Christian state, saying parents should first examine their own behaviour and the example they are setting for their children.
Qereqeretabua stresses the importance of parental responsibility in teaching children discipline, respect and values that promote peaceful coexistence in Fiji's multicultural society.
