United in the fight against drugs

PERMANENT secretary for the Education Ministry, Selina Kuruleca, says drugs is not only a health or discipline issue but a multi-spectral issue for the nation.

She is calling for a collective effort to combat the rippling impact of drugs on the learning environment and believes there is a need for societal effort in addressing the rising issue.

“The whole ‘mine-yard’ should collaborate, namely the Fiji Police Force and with social welfare to not only assist the child but to also get to the bottom of the background of the child and the type of family they came from,” Ms Kuruleca said.

“There’s an old saying, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. If you don’t keep children engaged, of course they’ll think about mischief.”

Ms Kuruleca raises an important point. Drug abuse is not just a health concern or a disciplinary issue within schools; it’s a multifaceted problem with far-reaching consequences for the nation’s well-being.

She rightly emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors.

We agree that effective solutions require a united front that involves all stakeholders, from the Fiji Police Force, social welfare departments, to families. On the issue of drugs and the illicit trade, police intervention is important to curb the supply chain and hold those responsible accountable. In the face of that, social workers can provide support to children struggling with addiction and explore underlying family issues that might contribute to the problem.

But parents and guardians play a pivotal role.

As Ms Kuruleca highlights, while children spend a significant portion of the day in school, the influence of the home environment is undeniable.

This is when we should be raising the issue of open communication, parental guidance, and nurturing positive activities that will keep children engaged and hopefully counter peer pressure or the need to resort to drugs.

Investment in extracurricular activities, sports, and creative outlets can keep students occupied and foster a sense of purpose.

Let’s face it, we must address the root causes of drug use.

That will mean understanding the causes and working out ways to address them.

So we would be looking at factors such as poverty, lack of opportunity, or broken families for starters.

We all have a role to play. Schools can provide support systems and identify students at risk. Law enforcement can fight drug networks. Social workers can offer guidance and intervention. And in the face of all of this, families need to create a safe and supportive environment for children.

We have a major challenge. We must unite to address the many issues facing us.