Ministry's Plan for Schools Drug Test Kits

The Ministry of Education is considering introducing drug testing kits in schools to combat the rising issue of illicit drug use among students.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro revealed the idea in Parliament yesterday following a supplementary question by Opposition Member of Parliament, Rinesh Sharma.

Mr Sharma inquired if the school management and teachers would be provided with drug testing kits.

In response, Mr Radrodro said: "These are some additional areas that might be considered by the ministry in discussion with the relevant ministries-Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence (Home Affairs)to ensure we are not putting ourselves at risk with teachers undertaking these additional responsibilities."

The idea comes in light of increasing drug cases in schools, with the Ministry of Education recording 3500 cases last year, compared to 2400 in 2021 and 2800 in 2022.

Concerns from the Fiji Teachers Union Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) general secretary Muniappa Goundar acknowledged the positive intent but highlighted several considerations.

“We need to first understand that children have their own set of rights, and they are minors as well,” Mr Goundar said.

Need for legislation

He emphasised the need for legislation to allow such testing, noting the necessity for parental consent for blood or urine tests.

“This will include blood tests or urinal, so parental consent needs to be first sought; it’s things like that,” he said.

Mr Goundar also pointed out the potential cultural impacts of this move.

He suggested that the ministry should focus on enhancing parental involvement to ensure the so-called drug pushers are reported and held accountable.

“The children coming from home to school need to be monitored, and the Fiji Police Force needs to partner with the education ministry in this,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Goundar stressed the role of school counsellors to “up their game” in raising awareness and identifying signs of drug use among students.

“We need to save our children; of course, it is a good move, but all due diligence needs to be carried out,” he said.

The Ministry of Education is set to consider these factors as it explores the potential implementation of drug testing in schools.

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