Bula Vinaka
The Substance Abuse Advisory Council [SAAC] is a statutory body under the Ministry of Education Heritage & Arts. The Unit started in 1999 after the passing of the SAAC Act in Parliament in 1998. SAAC aspiration is for Fiji especially for students to be drug free. To be free will be will need the concerted effort of all stakeholders, government, parents, community, faith based organization and Civil societies. The drugs whether it is legal or illegal are both harmful and poisonous to the human body. Illicit synthetic drugs are finding its way into the local scene now and there is a greater need to protect our children from this. We are also mindful of the other social issues arising our of school like violence, child abuse, teenage pregnancy, suicide and cybercrime. SAAC has been working with other stakeholders to address these issues and assist students to focus and be motivated to achieve their goals. The services we provide include, awareness to school and communities, training of teachers and students, counselling services, mentoring services, production and distribution of brochures and posters, research The website, the first for SAAC, contain information that can assist students, parents and teachers.