No scenes of suicide, schools reminded

Schools around the country have been reminded that students should not dramatise any scenes of suicide during the National Suicide Prevention Day next month. This was the advice by the Permanent Secretary for Education, Heritage and Arts Iowane Tiko in a letter sent to all school heads, divisional and district offices. With the national theme: “Connect, Communicate and Care”, schools will conduct a half day awareness programme on suicide prevention on Friday, September 9. “Teachers and students can work collaboratively in organising a programme for their school dedicated towards suicide prevention,” Mr Tiko said.

“Students can participate in a diverse range of programmes that promote understanding about suicide and highlight effective preventative activities through: oratory, poetry, songs, art and drawing, role play, drama, school based march and also through invitation of a chief guest to address the students.

“The focus of the activities in school is for students to understand that everyone go through problems and stress in life but they are to be encouraged to connect with someone and communicate their problems as there are people who care and can help.” Mr Tiko said the ministry continued to have a great concern for young people who were taking their lives prematurely and every effort should be taken to prevent the problem. “This year again, we will be creating awareness on Suicide Prevention,” he said. “The National Suicide Prevention Day falls on Saturday, September 10 and the Ministry of Health is spearheading the National Launch in Labasa.”

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts is also organising a National Poster Competition for primary schools and secondary schools based on the theme: “Connect, Communicate and Care”. The three categories will be Years Four to Six, Years Seven to Eight and Years Nine to 11. “Schools are encouraged to participate and to submit student entries to their respective Divisional Education Office by 4pm on Friday, September 2,” Mr Tiko said. The winners will be announced on the National Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and prizes will be awarded to the students with the winning entry for both the primary and secondary school categories from each division. Edited by Rusiate Mataika Feedback: