Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma general secretary Dr Semisi Turagavou was concerned with the cases of dropouts recorded in schools owned by the church.

Dr Turagavou said the issue was raised from the education department for the church.

When questioned as to how many students have dropped out of school, he said the data will be revealed later by the education secretariat.

He said this was the relevant body for the issue to be discussed before it was raised to the standing committee and annual conference.

“We agree that there have been some school dropouts. We have some programmes provided by the ministry to address issues as such.”

“Managements and principals of schools will need to meet to see how we can address the issue and how we can do better,” he said.

Psychotherapist Selina Kuruleca said some children did not want to return to school post the coronavirus pandemic as they were scared of getting coronavirus.

Ms Kuruleca said she have counsel parents who have called in frustration and despair, particularly with their primary school kids not wanting to go to school.

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