The Soqosoqo ni Marama ni Yasana ko Ba (SSMV) is taking vital measures to combat the alarming issue of school dropouts in Ba Province. Between 2018 and 2023, an astounding 22,000 children have exited the education system, leading to the highest dropout rate in the country, particularly affecting women. Acknowledging the urgent need for action, SSMV has partnered with the German organization Bread for the World to implement a pilot educational project aimed at reversing this crisis.
Project Coordinator Leilani Tora shared that awareness programs are being initiated to identify dropouts and provide them with chances for reintegration into the educational system. Tora emphasized the critical situation for women, stating, “We are the primary caregivers in our families, so we proposed this project to provide support.” The initiative has started through three pilot sites in various districts, focusing on empowering women, who are crucial in ensuring family education and overall well-being.
With a commitment of three years of funding and support from Bread for the World, the initiative aims to successfully reintegrate out-of-school children into the educational folds. Tora highlighted that many of these dropouts are being actively enrolled in tertiary education at Fiji National University, showcasing a family-driven approach to prioritizing education as a pathway to a brighter future.
SSMV is dedicated not only to reducing dropout figures but also to breaking the cycles of disadvantage impacting families. Education is perceived as a critical instrument for empowering communities and fostering sustainable change. Tora mentioned discussions with various tikinas where women have persistently reinforced the significance of education for their children’s futures, underscoring the necessity for community-led solutions to this educational crisis.
The collaborative efforts in Ba Province are part of a larger ambition to tackle systemic educational issues, resonating with sentiments conveyed by local leaders like Ratu Meli Tora from the Ba Provincial Council. This ongoing initiative seeks to establish supportive environments for children, enabling them to realize their potential and make positive contributions to their communities. With determined strategies and fruitful partnerships, there is hope for a rejuvenated educational landscape in Ba Province, allowing more children the opportunity to access the education they rightfully deserve.