THE Fijian Teachers Association has expressed grave concern about the safety of its members.
FTA president Merewarita Moci, speaking at the association's annual delegates convention in Suva yesterday, said it was frightening that teachers were being assaulted in schools.
"Assault of female teachers by male members of the community and students in school serve as a real worry for the FTA," she said.
She called on all stakeholders responsible to ensure the safety and wellbeing of female teachers in the communities and schools they served.
Mrs Moci also called on teachers to be vigilant on the issue of bullying in schools.
"Though the problem of bullying in schools is not prevalent, it does not mean the absence of it," she said. "FTA appeals to school heads to nip the problem in the bud."
The annual meeting ended with a ball last night.
Meanwhile, association members paid tribute to their colleagues in the west in the wake of flooding in the division.
Mrs Moci said teachers in Nadroga, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Ra were the epitome of their motto, Service before Self.
"You held your head high and took into account the damage to your schools and homes respectively," she said.
"Some of you assisted others individually or by being a part of the team that looked out for others.
"FTA remembers you for your commitment to the education of the students under your care."