Step up, Education Minister tells parents
Teachers teach, they are not part of the disciplinary forces: Radrodro
Monday 13 October 2025 | 20:00
Participants of the public dialogue on corporal punishment at the Japan ICT Centre, University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus, Suva on October 13, 2025.
Photo: Ministry of Education
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has issued a stern reminder to parents to take responsibility for their children’s upbringing and not rely solely on teachers.
Mr Radrodro was speaking at a public dialogue on corporal punishment held in Suva yesterday, which explored the root causes of growing indiscipline among students in schools and debated whether corporal punishment should be reintroduced.
“Our first school will always be our home. Communities today expect teachers to do everything, but teachers teach, they are not part of the disciplinary forces,” he said.
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Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga raised concerns about the welfare of teachers, saying many were struggling to cope with increasing demands in classrooms.
Teachers are being sworn at, having objects thrown at them, and some are even verbally abused. They feel threatened in their own classrooms. When parents neglect their roles, that’s when students begin to behave this way in class.
Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga
With class sizes ranging from 40 to 50 students, primary school teachers face a workload that the teachers’ association has repeatedly called alarming and unfair.
“Teachers have a lot of commitments to their vanua, church and family, and then they have to deal with a child that lacks values and discipline, Mr Manumanunitoga said.
“Teachers are struggling with overcrowded classrooms, and constant pressure from administrative duties. It’s becoming unbearable. We can’t expect quality education when our teachers are exhausted and unsupported.”
He urged the ministry to review teachers’ workload and welfare, saying it directly affects classroom performance and the overall quality of education.
“If we truly value education, we must start by valuing the teachers. Their wellbeing is the foundation of a child’s success,” he said.
Mr Manumanunitoga warned that neglecting parental responsibility and relying solely on counselling and classroom teaching could have long-term consequences.
“If we continue this way, what will happen to our country in 20 years? Parents and teachers need to be responsible for teaching children’s values, not just academics,” he said.
Mr Radrodro said families and communities must take ownership of raising children rather than leaving it all to teachers.
He urged teachers to follow the ministry’s code of conduct and avoid corporal punishment, stressing that counselling centres have been established since 2023 to help schools manage student discipline.
“Teachers may be under pressure from student behaviour, but they must adhere to the code of conduct. We now have counselling centres to guide students and support schools.”
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