If my son had spoken to me about his results I would have done something, says distraught father of student who allegedly committed suicide in Macuata on Wednesday.

The Year 13 student, who was named dux of his school last month, was reported to have been unhappy with his external exam results.

“I just wished he had the patience and discussed his marks with us,” the distraught father said.

“Those students who have received their result my advice to them is if you get low marks, talk to your mother or father, they will surely advise you what to do or at least assist you in re-checking your marks.”

He said no parent would ignore their child.

“Suicide is not an option.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed they were carrying out an investigation on the incident.

“It has been confirmed that the body of the student was found yesterday morning at Batiri outside Labasa Town on what is alleged to have been a suicide case,” Ms Naisoro said.

“The student was reported missing on Wednesday and despite a search conducted late into the night it proved negative.

“A team of officers was dispatched to the scene and investigations are continuing.

“We do hope parents and guardians will spend quality time with their children and go over issues regarding the results of their external examinations.”

She said constant show of support and reassurance about other available options of moving forward with their education should be discussed so that children know that we care.

The boy’s father said the funeral date would be decided later as they wait for the post-mortem examination results.

Ministry of Education comments

The Minister for Education, Mahendra Reddy, said: “This is a rather unfortunate situation and our prayers are with the parents of the child.

“If they have low marks they must talk to their parents and teachers as every child has an opportunity to undertake studies at the university or technical college as long as they get admission to a programme. They will get financial support from TELS.

“My advice to students is that if they are disappointed, they should first get a recount and if they are still disappointed, they should then apply for re-marking.

“However, they can still pursue their dream of studying for a higher qualification through the technical colleges or universities.

“Students with low marks can also get admitted into the TVET stream programme at the Fiji National University or at any of the campuses of the Technical College.”

Helpline

Students who are concerned with their low external exam results can call the Child Helpline Fiji toll free number 1325 and speak to counsellors who are competent in English, iTaukei, Hindi and Rotuman languages. They are also urged to discuss the issue with parents and the Ministry of Education.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

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