Drugs and substance abuse, fueled by peer pressure, is the toughest challenge students face today, says 17-year-old Rishikul Sanatan College head girl Shruti Singh from Nasole, Nasinu.
Singh says leadership means more than just maintaining discipline—it is about understanding the silent battles students fight daily.
She says she believes young minds are vulnerable and resisting such influences requires strong support from schools, families and communities.
She adds that we need more awareness and open conversations rather than fear-based discipline.
While speaking to fijivillage News, the head boy Nathan William from Makoi says while academic stress is significant, the increasing exposure to drugs is a deeper concern.
He says schools have rules, but the problem starts at home and in communities.
He further says it takes strong willpower to say ‘no’.
While speaking at the prefect induction ceremony, Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh says a good leader earns respect through actions and service rather than authority.
Singh says prefects play a crucial role in supporting teachers, maintaining discipline and mentoring their fellow students.
Singh encourages students to aspire to their dreams, whether in leadership or entrepreneurship and assures them of the government's continued support.
He says initiatives such as free education from preschool to tertiary levels, scholarships, free bus fares, free textbooks and the $200 back-to-school assistance for eligible students are part of the government's efforts to help students fulfill their aspirations.
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