Education Minister Premila Kumar says out of all Government schools, most complaints discipline related complaints are related to scholars from Ratu Kadavulevu School.

During her first ministerial visit to the Korovou school, she said: “we have found, and we have heard that there are behaviour issues with the students of RKS, you (students) are not creating a good name for the school.”

“You know it, I don’t have to spell that out, I fail to understand why you are not able to put things in perspective and try your level best towards education,” she said.

Behavioural Issues

Shedding light on the issue of the school, the Minister in an interview disclosed that they have received also formal complaints from landowners regarding student’s behaviours

“We have (behavioural) issues in this school, even the landowners around the school have launched a formal complaint with us

“They brought out student’s behaviours, in fact stealing the crops or even damaging their crops”

Students of Ratu Kadavulevu School during the visit of the Minister of Education, Premila Kumar, in Ratu Kadavulevu School on July 5, 2022. Photo: Ronald Kumar

“We have a new principal here, he’s very focused and he knows what he needs to do, and we are here to support him,” she said.

“We also have neighbouring government school, we have Adi Cakaubau School (ACS), Queen Victoria School (QVS) and then Ratu Kadavulevu

“But when we compare all these schools, the problem is here in RKS, and we won’t take this lightly,” she said.

To help the students, the Minister later had a one-to-one session with the students addressing the matter as of serious concern.

“It is important as the Minister responsible for Education I need to be here, talking to the students and teachers and making them understand the investment the government is making,” she said.

Government Investment

She highlighted that the government spends substantial amount of money on the school

“The government is spending large sum of money to put you in school, you must understand that.”

“And if we analyse the financial assistance that is provided to the students and family, it is quite substantial,” she adds

Conveying her message to the students, she said that students are privileged to attend such prominent Suva that only many have dream of to attend

“You are very privileged to be in RKS, there are many students that are keenly interested to attend this school.”

“Some of you have left home, you’ve come from different islands just because there is no secondary there.”

“So, it’s only fair to at least respect your teachers and maintain a good name for your school,” she said.

Teachers Thankful

Moving the vote of thanks, Vice Principal, Mrs Loata Tabuasova, acknowledged the Minister for trying to address the students.

“Madam, your maiden visit today speaks volume of your leadership and of caring personality.”

Meanwhile, in an interview, the Vice Principal added that although they appreciated the visit, the minister could have come earlier.

“This is her first visit, but she should have come earlier.”

“Nevertheless, the visit will inspire the students to change, especially now that we’re about to go for the break.”

“Students will appreciate it, you know as a mother and as a woman, that when you come down to the students and talk to them it will really have a positive impact,” she said.”

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