Teachers' unions condemn abuse after educator jailed for 14 years

Teachers' unions have declared a former teacher unfit to ever return to a classroom after the High Court in Suva jailed him for 14 years and nine months for sexually abusing three students.

The High Court in Suva sentenced the former teacher yesterday after convicting him of sexually abusing three students between 2023 and 2024 while he was based at a prominent school in Tailevu.

The court heard he sexually assaulted two boys, aged 15 and 17, at his teacher's quarters and committed an indecent act by touching another student without consent.

Teachers' unions condemned the offending, describing it as a serious betrayal of the trust placed in teachers to protect children.

Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga said the union completely condemned the teacher's actions and did not want him returning to any school.

"Teachers are expected to protect children, not abuse the trust placed in them," he said.

Mr Manumanunitoga described the offending as "animal behaviour" and said it had damaged the reputation of a profession long respected in communities.

"We hope this teacher never ever, in his lifetime, enters the classroom again," he said.

Fiji Teachers Union general secretary Munniappa Goundar said teachers had a duty of care towards students and there was no place in schools for such behaviour.

"The message is clear. Teachers must refrain from such behaviour. Children are under their custody, and they must look after them," he said.

Mr Manumanunitoga urged teachers to uphold the Teachers' Code of Conduct and remember that schools must remain safe places for children to learn.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj