Faith-based organisations have been called in to help Ministry of Education officials to provide warnings and advice to students caught smoking in school.

Education Minister Mahendra Reddy said the ministry met a group of stakeholders last Friday to discuss the rising number of students found smoking in their uniforms and using e-cigarettes.

“We have also hired 50 retired teachers to go back to schools and talk to the students,” Mr Reddy said.

He acknowledged the concerns raised by the Fiji Sun after they photographed some students found smoking in their uniforms.

Mr Reddy said they would buy e-cigarettes to be given to its officials on the ground.

He said the officials would be familiarised with it and be sent out to monitor students.

School students are usually caught smoking in uniforms during school hours at the Suva carrier stand and the behind bean carts at the Suva bustand.

Mr Reddy said the ministry would discipline students and the schools they attended if they were found smoking in their uniforms.

Feedback:  aqela.susu@fijisun.com.fj