Parliament has acknowledged urgent issues within the education sector, particularly concerning teacher shortages, increasing student misconduct, and inadequate school infrastructure. This acknowledgment came during the presentation of the consolidated review report from the Ministry of Education, Heritage & Arts for the years 2021 to 2023.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, underscored the pressing need for action, pointing out that rising incidents of student violence, substance abuse, and teacher assaults demand immediate intervention. She emphasized the importance of stronger parental involvement and the comprehensive implementation of the parent-teacher partnership framework to address both academic and behavioral challenges.
A key finding from the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence revealed that there are only 35 professional counselors available for approximately 917 schools. This shortage has placed teachers and child protection officers in the position of offering counseling duties beyond their training. To address this gap, Qereqeretabua advocated for the urgent recruitment of full-time counselors in all districts.
Further concerns were raised about the declining English proficiency among students, especially in certain regions, such as the Western Division. The committee recommended reviewing assessment structures, reinstating school libraries with dedicated librarians, and introducing a literacy recovery program for students in Years 5 to 8 to enhance reading at home.
The issue of teacher shortages remains critical, with over 500 secondary teachers having exited their roles between 2021 and 2023. Qereqeretabua called for improved retention strategies, which should include better incentives for educators, the permanent hiring of more than 3,000 acting teachers, and collaboration with tertiary institutions to better prepare teachers for key subjects like Mathematics and Physics.
Infrastructure challenges were also emphasized, particularly the urgent need for upgrades in electricity, water supply, and dormitory refurbishments in rural and maritime schools. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the Ministry’s commitment to implementing these recommendations, including establishing counseling hubs, enhancing digital infrastructure, and prioritizing accommodations for rural students.
Opposition MPs backed calls for improved teacher pay, decreased workloads, and required parental involvement in counseling sessions. Qereqeretabua described the report as a crucial guide for necessary change and urged Parliament to ensure schools are adequately resourced to create safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments.
These discussions highlight a significant recognition of the challenges facing Fiji’s education system. With collective efforts from the government, educators, and the community, there is hope that the proposed reforms will empower students to receive a quality education in supportive and nurturing environments.