The school fights at the bus terminals and public spaces are the talk of the town. A student was taken to hospital and police arrested some students. Samoa Observer's journalist Faith Leapai and photojournalist Junior S Ami spoke to people and gathered their thoughts on how they perceived these violent incidents and what they think should be a solution.

Fuifui Potofou, 44, Manono

From my perspective, it would be preferable if the Ministry of Education took action against the schools. Fighting between schools seems to be unstoppable. When we stop to consider it, they are still in school and are still fighting, as if their parents haven't told them anything, and the teachers are failing their charges. Additionally, the pupils not only fight but what they’re expressing has been really harsh to hear. The government needs to intervene to put a stop to this kind of behaviour. It also has an impact on students who do not engage in physical altercations.

 Sole,  

These days, school violence in public places has spread like a virus among young people, particularly guys. And it has a terrible effect on the nation's reputation, particularly because a student has been hurt. In addition, I feel bad for the parents because I know how hard they have been working to find ways to get their kids into schools. But how are they going to pay their parents back? As I get older, I realise how difficult it is to raise children and allow them to attend school. I am aware of the awful things I did as a child, and I have learned a valuable lesson from them. I thus ask the college students who are still involved in this to please put an end to their arguments and grant everyone peace. Additionally, to the police for failing to keep an eye out for our kids at all times, particularly before and after school, in their capacity as the nation's guardians.

Va’a Browne

For the second time, St. Joseph and Maluafou College have been at odds, and the students are suffering greatly as a result. Looking over the scene from yesterday, it is clear that St. Joseph's College is where it all started. In light of the fact that these school fights result in injuries, I sincerely wish that this school be closed. The teacher was also observed supporting the pupil in the brawl. In addition, I want the former Marist club members to take action and educate the current students about proper conduct. Furthermore, educators and principals ought to focus on addressing kids' misbehaviour in public spaces. Parents of the involved students have a responsibility to speak with their children and educate them about the negative consequences of their actions if the teachers are unable to control these kinds of behaviour. In all honesty, St. Joseph is a bad example to other schools that are not involved.

Safune Sililo Patolo, 81, Faleapuna

Every circumstance begins with a family. The children get the good heart to make good judgments if their link with their parents is stronger than anything else, but if not, that's where every crisis begins. I pray to God every day for my children's protection and for them to have the fortitude to avoid trouble, and He has heard me every time. In regards to the conflict between the schools, in my opinion, the family is the foundation. This is what will happen if we don't get to teach our kids the best we can. From what I've seen, these kids let rage get the better of them instead of love and peace. Perhaps this would never have happened if everyone had pure hearts and allowed God to be the centre of everything.

Monise Peni, 32, Lauli’i

I hold the police responsible for the current state of problems in schools as they have not intervened. To be honest, even the police are powerless to control the behaviour of the kids, but in my opinion, it is part of their duty. Furthermore, the majority of these issues occur frequently, and the police aren't present to accept accountability or take appropriate action on the current state of affairs in schools. The primary cause of everything, in my opinion, is that these children are involved with the wrong gangs and groups of individuals, which influence them to make poor decisions and engage in conflicts with other schools. I do think that their parents are providing them with appropriate instruction and discipline at home. As far as I can tell, the principals and the teachers are fed up with the way the kids act. And if the Ministry of Education, parents, and teachers collaborate, perhaps the conflict between the schools will eventually stop, allowing for the growth of love and peace. At the end of the day, we are still Samoans.

Matamatanofo Runi, 19, Aleisa.

I encourage the two fighting schools to put an end to their hostilities, allow love and peace to rule everything, and practice forgiveness. In addition, since their parents helped get them into school, they should love their parents. As for the law enforcement officials who protect the nation, they should exercise greater caution and alertness during such situations, as none of them intervened to stop fights between schools. In order to assist prevent school conflicts and maintain peace for everyone, I also suggest building school buses for each school. In order for the police to always be there promptly during school conflicts, I suggest that they remain vigilant and consider setting up a standby booth in these public areas. Perhaps doing so will discourage the kids from fighting. In addition, I hope that the injured student from Maluafou College will teach schools a valuable lesson about ending fights between students.