The Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts is conducting a full investigation on the report of an alleged assault on a student by a teacher in a school in Tailevu in the past month.

Minister responsible, Premila Kumar, said the ministry was made aware of the case and was investigating it thoroughly.

“The Educational divisional head visited the school and spoke to the teacher concerned and has also spoken to the head of school,” she said.

“He met with the parents and also met with the students of the class the student was in.

“He has basically investigated the matter and now a full investigation will take place based on our policies.

“Once that investigation is complete a recommendation will be made as you know there is zero policy on child abuse and that will not be tolerated.”

She said an opportunity was also given for the teacher to explain to understand the reason or what had happened.

“At the moment there is some denial and we need to get all the information together.

“And also the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination

Commission is also investigating and that information will be very useful to the Ministry of Education.”

The Human Rights and Anti- Discrimination Commission in a statement last week had revealed the complaint of assault involving a nine-year-old child.

Commission Director Ashwin Raj said the child had sustained injuries to his left eye.

It was alleged that the teacher assaulted the child during a class activity last month.
The Commission was in possession of photographic evidence, recorded the statement of the child and was also following up on the medical reports.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed they had also received a report and an investigation was underway.

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