𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

“Today, as we celebrate ‘ 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙀𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙮 ’, we must embrace and acknowledge the remarkable role that students, teachers, parents and all of us play are crucial in fostering environmental awareness and responsibility reinforcing the importance of caring for the environment ,” said Hon. Radrodro.

Honourable Radrodro stressed that the 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱,

‘𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻’

is apt since plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, threatening our ecosystems, health, and livelihoods. As educators, parents, and community members, we have a responsibility to instill sustainable practices in our children and youth. Education is the key to fostering environmentally conscious citizens who can lead the charge in reducing plastic waste.”

“Every individual effort counts,” the Minister added. “From reducing plastic use at home to participating in local clean-up initiatives, we all have a role to play. By working together, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution and protect our Fiji.”

Involving students in community clean-up events, tree planting, or visiting local conservation projects can enhance their connection to the environment. Supporting children’s interests in nature, environmental clubs, and other related projects encourages a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

He asserted that all parents can demonstrate eco-friendly practices at home, such as recycling, conserving water, and reducing waste, and engaging in discussions on environmental issues with children can help raise awareness and understanding of our planet’s challenges.

“This year in April, the Ministry of Education launched the National Climate Change week whereby our schools across Fiji joined hands to take part in tree-planting drives and sustainability activities, from awareness to clean-up campaigns, classroom lessons, artwork, poster competitions, debates, science projects, and cultural reflections on environmental stewardship,” he added.

“These activities are not just educational, they are transformational. They help our students understand that their voices and actions matter. They help build a generation that is aware, active, and empowered to be caretakers of our environment.”

In addition to this 20 secondary schools located beside the coastlines of Vitilevu and Vanualevu including Levuka have planted 4,300 mangrove seedlings and 71 native plants within their immediate seashore which were generously provided by Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

The Education Minister urges all Heads of School and teachers to incorporate environmental education in their classrooms making it a regular part of lessons across subjects. Teachers can organise school-based campaigns, activities, and assemblies focused on environmental issues, encouraging student participation. We need to prompt our students to think critically about environmental issues, encouraging discussions, debates, and projects that address challenges such as climate change.

Together, let’s turn awareness into action and make a lasting impact this World Environment Day!

-𝗘𝗡𝗗-