Fiji's Rising Drug Abuse in Schools Sparks Urgent Calls for Action

Fiji is grappling with a significant increase in drug abuse cases within its primary and secondary schools, with reported incidents rising from 2,400 in 2021 to 3,500 in 2023. This alarming trend has prompted urgent calls for coordinated efforts between the government, communities, and international partners to tackle the issue head-on.

Why this matters: The rising drug abuse problem in Fiji's schools has far-reaching implications for the country's future workforce, economy, and social fabric. If left unchecked, it could lead to a generation of citizens struggling with addiction, health issues, and decreased productivity.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council, Josua Naisele, highlighted the multifaceted reasons behind this surge. He pointed out that peer pressure, coping mechanisms, and experiences of abuse, including child abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation, contribute significantly to the problem. Naisele emphasized that some students resort to drug use as a means to 'share and lighten their burden.'

To address the growing crisis, Naisele called for improved data collection to identify schools and districts with high incidences of drug abuse. He suggested that civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) could play a crucial role by conducting awareness and training programs in these areas.

The Substance Abuse Advisory Council has also deployed counsellors to provide services to affected students. These counsellors address not only drug-related issues but also other social problems impacting students' growth. Through counselling, the council has gathered valuable insights into the challenges students face, including family dynamics and parental upbringing.

Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, has also weighed in on the issue. Speaking at the Fiji National University, he stressed the importance of investing in youth ministry to combat drug abuse within indigenous communities. Chong emphasized the need for raising awareness and providing educational training to communities.

Chong highlighted the importance of conducting proper social analysis to identify the root causes of social problems, including drug abuse. He urged the community to ask 'why' questions to understand the underlying issues and develop effective solutions. 'You can waste a lot of resources; we can have symposium after symposium like this and we'll go through a symposium burn-out,' Chong remarked, emphasizing the need for actionable insights.

The growing concern over drug abuse in Fiji's schools underscores the urgent need for a collaborative effort to address the issue. By engaging parents, community leaders, and international partners, Fiji aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent drug use among students and foster a safer, healthier environment for its youth.

Key Takeaways

• Fiji sees 45% rise in drug abuse cases in schools from 2021 to 2023.
• Peer pressure, abuse, and neglect contribute to the growing problem.
• Improved data collection and awareness programs are needed to combat drug abuse.
• Counselling services and youth ministry investments can help address the issue.
• A collaborative effort is required to prevent drug use and foster a safer environment.