Fiji’s children are being encouraged to develop strong values from an early age following the soft launch of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (FICAC) revamped Good Kiddo Programme.

The initiative was launched at the Suva Civic Centre, bringing together students from 10 Central Division schools, teachers, Ministry of Education representatives, members of the Fiji Head Teachers Association and FICAC officials.

Targeting students from Year 1 to Year 8, the programme uses interactive and age-appropriate activities to promote four key values: trust, honesty, obedience and respect.

Students will also have access to a new Good Kiddo Song and Activity Book, designed to make lessons about integrity and ethical behaviour more practical and engaging. The activity book contains exercises aimed at reinforcing the programme’s four core values.

FICAC Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika told students that the values they develop at home and in the classroom can influence the people they become later in life.

She encouraged students to apply honesty, respect and accountability in their daily lives and to have the confidence to speak up when necessary.

The programme is intended to continue beyond the launch, with activity books and other learning activities providing opportunities for students to reinforce the lessons over time.

FICAC Manager Complaints and Governance Kolora Naliva said education, awareness and values were central to efforts to prevent corruption, describing the initiative as the beginning of a longer journey towards nurturing responsible and ethical citizens.

FICAC will continue working with schools, the education sector, communities and other stakeholders to expand the revamped programme and promote integrity, accountability and good citizenship among Fiji’s young people.