The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has highlighted significant concerns regarding the Draft Education Bill 2025, citing data that identifies over 10,000 families facing profound economic difficulties. During a submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, FCOSS indicated that despite the provision for free tuition, barriers such as poverty, natural disaster disruptions, and insufficient child protection measures continue to hinder children’s access to education.
Josaia Tokoni, program manager at FCOSS, acknowledged that while the Bill includes positive reforms, it ultimately fails to reflect the real-life experiences of vulnerable families. He expressed support for various provisions such as free and compulsory education, the prohibition of corporal punishment, inclusive education measures, and the establishment of an Education Advisory Council. However, Tokoni emphasized that significant gaps exist that ultimately affect children’s ability to remain in school.
Selai Toganivalu, a community engagement and project officer, noted that collaboration with Save the Children Fiji revealed that many families face severe economic pressures that go unaddressed by the proposed legislation. She criticized a uniform approach to parental responsibility, arguing that it does not capture the complexities of the challenges low-income families endure.
Tokoni further stressed the overlooked “hidden costs” of education including expenses for transport, uniforms, and learning materials, which remain substantial barriers for many families, particularly in rural areas. He highlighted the shortcomings of the Education Bill in addressing the disruptions caused by natural disasters, referencing the adverse impact of cyclones on educational institutions between 2016 and 2021.
Moreover, the FCOSS submission pointed out that the Bill is not fully aligned with the Child Care and Protection Act 2024 and lacks sufficient enforcement mechanisms for mandatory reporting by school staff regarding child protection issues. Additional concerns were raised regarding the need for stronger protections for children with disabilities, advocating for the legal recognition of Individualised Education Plans to foster inclusive education.
To address these issues, FCOSS proposed seven recommendations, including expanding the definition of vulnerable children, integrating mandatory reporting for child protections, enhancing disability protections, including civil society organizations in the Education Advisory Council, establishing a disaster resilience framework, empowering school committees via direct grant mechanisms, and supporting parents through Community Learning Centres.
Incorporating the voices of families facing economic hardships and advocating for comprehensive educational reforms could pave the way for a more inclusive and effective education system in Fiji. The commitment from FCOSS to address these issues reflects a hopeful movement towards ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically, regardless of their circumstances.