The Soqosoqo ni Marama ni Yasana ko Ba (SSMV) is taking significant steps to tackle the issue of school dropouts in Ba Province, where a staggering 22,000 children have exited the education system between 2018 and 2023, marking the highest dropout rate in the country, predominantly among women. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the organization has partnered with the German-based group Bread for the World to implement a pilot educational project aimed at addressing this severe crisis.
Project Coordinator Leilani Tora stated that awareness programs are being launched to locate dropouts and provide them with opportunities for educational reintegration. Tora emphasized the critical nature of the issue for women, explaining, “We are the primary caregivers in our families, so we proposed this project to provide support.” The project commenced with three pilot sites in separate districts of the province, focusing on empowering women, who play a central role in family education and well-being.
Bread for the World has committed to provide funding and support for three years, enabling the initiative to reach its goal of reintegrating out-of-school children back into the education system. Tora noted that many of the school dropouts are being actively enrolled in tertiary education at Fiji National University, reflecting a determination among families to prioritize education as a pathway for a better future.
The organization is dedicated not only to reducing dropout figures but also to breaking the cycles of disadvantage that impact families. Education is viewed as a vital tool in empowering communities and fostering sustainable change. Tora remarked on the discussions held with various tikinas, where women consistently highlighted education’s importance for their children’s futures, reinforcing the need for community-driven solutions to the educational crisis.
The collaborative efforts being undertaken in Ba Province are part of a broader commitment to address systemic issues in education, echoing the sentiments expressed by local leaders like Ratu Meli Tora from the Ba Provincial Council. This ongoing initiative aims to create supportive environments for children, ultimately helping them realize their potential and contribute positively to their communities. With determined actions in place and through partnerships, the future holds hope for a revitalized educational landscape in Ba Province, where more children can gain access to the education they deserve.