Empowering our children

AS police investigate the alleged rape of a student inside a classroom in the Northern Division recently, we are left with many questions. We learn that the alleged incident took place when the school was having its inter-house athletics competition. This was confirmed by Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew.

The male student, he said, was believed to be a senior while the victim was in a junior class.

Ministry of Education permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca said it would be improper to comment on the case whilst investigations were ongoing.

But she said the ministry was committed to providing a safe, conducive learning environment for our children.

It was also committed to ensuring that all children under the age of 18 were assisted within the processes available including confidentiality. So much has happened over recent months.

In the wake of the massive drug haul in Nadi earlier this year, we learnt of children being involved in the sale of hard drugs including cocaine.

We learnt of children reportedly using methamphetamine and marijuana.

It’s a sad reflection of the society we live in. We may wonder what has gone wrong, and when did things go astray?

However, some of us may not be shocked by some of the things happening around us.

These are challenges we must face head on though. It is important that we attend to them and appropriately deal with issues that are popping up now.

We can only hope this isn’t a sign of a fragmented society, where all hell has broken loose.

There will be questions now of what we are doing to combat what appears to be a very challenging period in our nation’s history.

As parents and guardians, the onus is on us to be guiding lights for our children.

We need to be setting a good example.

That will mean understanding the dangers of drugs and sexual abuse.

It will mean creating awareness for our children and being a catalyst for change. It will mean changing the mindset and getting people to appreciate the rights of others.

Our children need to be educated on the need to appreciate life, and to make well thought out decisions. For that to happen, they need to be guided and empowered.

We need to be there for them!

We have challenges that we must address urgently. The key right now is how we engage as parents and guardians, and how much we want to make a difference in the lives of our young charges. That should start today, if we haven’t done so!