Naupoto denounces boarding school bullying
Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto condemned the abuse of power against peers, specifically the recent bullying cases in boarding schools.
While speaking to students and teachers of Magodro Secondary School in Navosa, he highlighted his experience in boarding school and denounced the act of bullying between peers.
“We continue to hear terrible news of bullying in boarding schools and I want to emphasise that bullying has no place in schools. Those who bully think they are powerful, but I say they are the weakest students in school. The strongest pupils are those who stand for those who are weak,” Commander Naupoto said.
“You must tell yourselves that now is the time to change and put it in mind that when you grow up to be men that you will help protect women, girls and children. It all starts here in school to make that change.” He also spoke to students of
Tailevu North College during their pass out parade and advised them not to make excuses when faced with challenges and to be morally courageous. He said he was grateful that the virus is contained at the border by frontline workers including the RFMF who play a big role in enforcing rules and regulations in quarantine facilities.
“When COVID-19 came we set rules, if we follow them good things happen. We are only COVID-contained because we stayed within the rules that we set as a nation so that we can contain the virus at the border and so that we are free to do what we do,” he said. Commander Naupoto and his team were on a three-day visit around schools in Nadi to donate uniforms and shoes to assist students whose families have been financially impacted as a result of the pandemic. The assistance was made possible from proceeds and donations they received from last year’s Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge.