Minister orders action over unauthorised school visit

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has directed the Permanent Secretary for Education to take action against an education officer who facilitated an overseas church group's visit to Natabua High School without the ministry's approval.

The directive follows the circulation of a video on social media showing an interaction between a member of the Steadfast Baptist Church group and a student during the group's visit to the Lautoka school on July 16.

The visiting Steadfast Baptist Church group comprised members from Houston, Texas, in the United States, together with a representative who is a United States national residing in the Philippines.

Mr Radrodro also reaffirmed the Ministry of Education's commitment to protecting students and enforcing strict school access protocols.

Earlier yesterday, he met representatives of the United States Embassy to discuss the matter.

During the meeting, embassy representatives confirmed they had no prior knowledge of, or involvement in, the group's visit or activities in Fiji.

Following the meeting, Mr Radrodro directed Permanent Secretary for Education Navin Raj to take the necessary action regarding the education officer who facilitated the group's visit without proper approval.

He reminded all Ministry of Education officers and schools that the ministry's approval processes were in place to safeguard students and ensure activities conducted in schools were appropriate, respectful and consistent with Fiji's education policies.

"Our schools must remain safe and secure learning environments for every child.

"The Ministry has clear approval processes in place to safeguard students, and these requirements must be observed at all times. No organisation or individual should conduct activities in schools without the Ministry's approval," Mr Radrodro said.

The Minister said the investigation would establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, determine whether any ministry policies or procedures had been breached and identify any appropriate administrative action.

The ministry reminded all organisations and individuals that prior written approval must be obtained before conducting any activity or engaging with students on school premises.

Where applicable, parental consent must also be obtained before students participate in activities involving photography, filming or the publication of their images.

The Ministry of Education said it remained committed to maintaining safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments for every student and would provide further updates once the investigation had been completed.