Labasa businessman Aruf Khan yesterday said tots attending kindergarten should be free from bullying and feel safe in their classrooms and school compound.

“Acts such as bullying should never be tolerated,” Mr Khan said.

“Children should feel safe and valued at all times.”

The chief guest Mr Khan was speaking yesterday at the opening of the Preschool Week at the Saint Mary’s Kindergarten in Labasa.

He said all stakeholders must ensure that conducive learning environment was created for the children.

Mr Khan who runs the Natua Civil Contractor and Natua Rentals plans to build a $3 million shopping mall in Seaqaqa.

“Firstly, a room that is tidy and free from rubbish will enable students to open their minds to new things,” Mr Khan said.

He said the school rooms should be decorated with educational materials that were appealing to the children and tots needed to be praised and provided feedback to motivate them to come to school every day.

“To parents, I would like to advise you to always be interested in your child and in his or her destiny, wherever life takes him or her and whoever he or she chooses to become,” he said.

The opening began with a march around the school compound and then individual items were performed by the students.