During a recent appearance before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, Pooja Dutt, Programme Manager of Dialogue Fiji, acknowledged the positive elements of the Education Bill 2025 while expressing concerns regarding certain aspects of the proposed legislation.
Dutt highlighted the Bill’s complete ban on corporal punishment as one of its most significant and progressive reforms, commending this move towards a more humane approach to education. However, she cautioned that the removal of school zoning, despite promoting parental choice, could create disparities that disadvantage students in poorer, less-resourced schools. This change raises the potential risk of establishing a two-tiered public education system, which could exacerbate existing inequalities.
Additionally, Dialogue Fiji raised alarms regarding the provisions related to school levies and fundraising, which they believe could jeopardize the principle of free education. Dutt questioned the definition of what constitutes “reasonable and equitable” for low-income families and how schools would handle instances of non-payment without resorting to exclusions, which could hinder access to education.
In their submission, Dialogue Fiji also called for a review of school start times, recommending a shift to a 9 a.m. start in urban areas like Greater Suva. This change is aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, thereby benefiting both student well-being and safety.
Lastly, the organization stressed the importance of clearly defining the compulsory education age within the Act itself, drawing a parallel with practices in countries like New Zealand, where such definitions are legally established. This clarity is deemed essential, especially when penalties may arise from the enforcement of school attendance.
Overall, while there are commendable aspects of the Education Bill 2025, Dialogue Fiji urges careful consideration of its potential implications to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students.