Education Ministry probes unapproved school visit by US religious group

Fiji's Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into an unapproved visit by a religious group from the United States to Natabua High School. The ministry is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the interaction between members of the Steadfast Baptist Church Group and a student at the school on July 16.

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro stated that the group's visit was not processed through the ministry's required channels. He met with representatives from the U.S. Embassy, who confirmed they had no prior knowledge or involvement in the group's activities in Fiji. This lack of official sanction has raised concerns about student safety and adherence to established protocols.

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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.

Following the meeting with embassy officials, Minister Radrodro directed the Permanent Secretary for Education, Navin Raj, to take appropriate action concerning the education officer who allegedly facilitated the visit without proper approval. Radrodro emphasized the importance of maintaining schools as safe and secure learning environments, stressing that all ministry approval processes must be strictly observed.

The ministry's approval processes are designed to protect students and ensure that all activities conducted within schools align with Fiji's education policies. Organizations and individuals are required to obtain written permission before engaging in any activities or interacting with students on school premises. The ongoing investigation aims to determine if any ministry policies were breached and if further administrative measures are necessary. Additionally, the ministry has reminded schools of the requirement to obtain parental consent for any photography, filming, or publication of student images.

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The ministry is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the visit by members of the Steadfast Baptist Church Group from the United States and the Philippines on 16 July.