The Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, has called on the Ministry of Education to consider temporarily hiring retired teachers to mitigate the growing shortage of secondary school teachers in Fiji. During a session in Parliament, Seruiratu emphasized the advantage of using qualified retirees residing within communities facing teacher shortages to quickly fill urgent vacancies while the Ministry develops long-term solutions.
In response, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirmed ongoing discussions with the Public Service Commission to evaluate the feasibility of this recommendation. Radrodro highlighted that the Ministry is exploring the inclusion of primary school teachers as part of a broader skills plan, reflecting efforts to utilize all available educational resources.
This proposal emerged amid a broader debate on addressing the current crisis of teacher shortages in the country, exacerbated by the trend of educators resigning for more lucrative opportunities, both locally and abroad. The shortage particularly affects STEM and PMEC subjects, crucial areas for educational development.
Radrodro further detailed ongoing strategies to counter the teacher shortage, such as collaborating with the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Scheme (TSLS) for focused scholarships and the recruitment of final-year students. These efforts are complemented by revisions in deployment policies to ensure comprehensive coverage across educational institutions.
The initiative to involve retirees is part of a larger strategy to ensure that classrooms remain staffed with qualified teachers, addressing both immediate and long-term educational needs. This approach reflects the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining the quality of education in Fiji while adjusting policies to retain skilled educators. Through collective efforts and innovative strategies, there is hope for improving the educational landscape and ensuring sustained student access to quality teaching resources.