The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) successfully conducted an anti-corruption awareness outreach at Dawasamu Secondary School and Dawasamu District Primary School on Monday.
The team from the FICAC was present in Dawasamu, a district in Fiji's Tailevu Province. The villagers mainly depend on fishing and farming, reflecting the area's unique geography. The district's reliance on marine resources and agriculture highlights its ongoing connection to traditional Fijian practices.
The initiatives, comprising the “Good Kiddo” programme and a general anti-corruption awareness session, underscore FICAC’s proactive commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct within schools and benefiting teachers, students, and school management.
The “Good Kiddo” programme, specifically designed for primary school students, employed age-appropriate methodologies to instill foundational principles of honesty, fairness, and the importance of reporting wrongdoing. Through interactive activities and discussions, the programme aimed to cultivate an early understanding of ethical behaviour and the detrimental effects of corruption.
Concurrently, FICAC facilitated an awareness session on corruption for Year-13 students and teachers. The team also engaged with the school committees on the Free Education Grant scheme.
These sessions provided a comprehensive overview of corrupt practices, their legal ramifications under Fijian law, and the critical role individuals play in preventing and combating corruption. Key topics addressed the definition of bribery, the various forms of corruption, the importance of transparency and accountability, and the mechanisms available for reporting corrupt activities to FICAC.
FICAC’s Senior Corruption Prevention Officer, Mr. Inoke Drawe, stated that the session would assist the students, teachers, and school management to fight corruption.
“These outreach efforts at Dawasamu Secondary School and Dawasamu District Primary School are indicative of FICAC’s strategic approach to preventative anti-corruption measures. By engaging with students at both primary and secondary levels, FICAC aims to cultivate a generation of citizens who are not only aware of the dangers of corruption but are also equipped with the ethical framework to resist and report it,” Mr. Drawe said.
“The Commission views educational institutions as vital partners in its mission to promote good governance and eradicate corruption in Fiji. These sessions serve as a crucial step in raising awareness, fostering critical thinking about ethical dilemmas, and empowering young individuals to become active participants in upholding integrity within their communities.”
Dawasamu Secondary School Head Teacher Mr. Joeli Matea emphasised that the session would benefit both teachers and students.
“We appreciate the initiative from the FICAC to carry out the sessions. It is a beneficial learning experience, considering that usually we neglect some of the policies from our employer, and at times we think whatever we are doing is on the right course. This gave us an indication of where we are and how we can increase our service delivery in terms of managing the resources given to us.” Mr. Matea said.
Dawasamu District Primary School Teacher Ms. Saininana Vakalala highlighted that FICAC’s Good Kiddo Programme would help young minds develop into responsible citizens of Fiji.
“The topic is related to what is happening nowadays, and those moral values will help the students. The presentation was very clear, and the facilitator explained to the students in simple words,” Ms. Vakalala said.
FICAC remains steadfast in its commitment to extending its outreach programmes across Fiji, recognising that sustained public awareness and education are fundamental pillars of the fight against corruption.
A total of 7 sessions were held in the two schools.