In the drug mix
THE revelation that some students are reportedly selling drugs in schools is cause for concern. Where in the world are we headed when this comes up as a major issue?
Why is this happening in the first place?
Why are students involved?
How and where did they get the drugs from?
Who is organising that for them?
There are many questions that need answers. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu confirmed this latest revelation, saying they have received information of this happening in schools in Suva and the West.
Nine students, he said, were caught in possession of illicit drugs in schools in the Northern Division from last year to date. The youngest who was in possession of illicit drugs in school was a 14-year-old student, he said.
In Lautoka, seven students were caught in possession of illicit drugs and the youngest was also a 14-year-old.
Ministry of Education permanent secretary Selina
Kuruleca confirmed they had received similar but unverified reports of students selling drugs in schools.
Ms Kuruleca said they would continue to work with police and other agencies to face the challenges.
She did not reveal the number of cases received but confirmed the increasing number of incidents. That in itself is worrying!
Understandably, information coming out now is going to attract a lot of attention, and inch out concern!
We reflect on the need to understand and appreciate socio-economic factors, and related issues like peer pressure and maybe mental health.
We are talking about challenges brought about by poverty for instance, family issues, students experimenting with drugs, anxiety perhaps or depression.
This is a shocking situation, and we need to be proactive.
We need to be on the ball in terms of drug education programs. We need to create a level of awareness that embraces students in various age groupings.
We need to empower students to make well informed decisions.
There should also be a concerted effort to engage parents and guardians.
They must form the base for the war against drugs. Then there is the need for community support. That means engaging communities to embrace the fight against drugs.
It is sad that we have reached this stage. While we are concerned about what is happening around us, we can either do something about it, or pretend everything is right.
Let’s be part of the effort to bring some semblance of order in the lives of our students. They need support. They need to know what they are getting themselves into when drugs are involved. They need to know the dangers associated with drug abuse, and the law!