The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has called on the Government to amend the Draft Education Bill to better address the distinctive challenges encountered by iTaukei students, especially boys and those living in rural areas. During a recent presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, GCC education committee chairman Iosefa Volau stressed the importance of reshaping the bill to mirror current realities rather than merely updating an outdated framework.
Volau highlighted concerning statistics showing that around 20 percent of students drop out before completing Year 12, with boys and children from rural backgrounds being disproportionately affected. The dropout rate for boys from Year 8 to Year 12 is as high as 31 percent, compared to just 9 percent for girls. He attributed these educational struggles to broader social issues, noting that between 70 to 82 percent of drug-related crimes involve iTaukei individuals.
“These challenges cannot be addressed with one-size-fits-all solutions; education strategies have been implemented without considering specific needs for too long,” Volau asserted, emphasizing that educational reforms must be relevant and tailored to iTaukei students.
Additionally, the GCC insisted that the bill should clearly outline its purpose and recognize the council’s responsibility as the steward of land, people, and culture in steering educational policy. Susana Tuisawau, another GCC representative, expressed concern over the exclusion of ethnic identifiers from official records, arguing that a lack of disaggregated data hinders the identification and support of students who require assistance.
Tuisawau further elaborated on issues such as overcrowded classrooms and inadequate teacher-student ratios, which contribute to behavioral problems and safety risks for both students and teachers. “Some desks come right up to the blackboards, creating safety issues for students and educators,” she remarked.
Volau also pointed out that headteachers struggle to maintain discipline due to restrictions on suspensions and expulsions, reducing the deterrent effect for serious misconduct. GCC member Emitai Boladuadua highlighted the inconsistency between the constitutional guarantees of free education and the reality that iTaukei families—making up 75 percent of those living in extreme poverty—face significant additional costs for uniforms, meals, and fundraising activities.
“The principle of free education must be upheld, not merely as a constitutional right but also as a practical reality,” Boladuadua stated. The GCC proposed that the bill should incorporate fair assessments and opportunities for all students.
Salote Rabuka, another GCC member, underscored the importance of scaling marks in external examinations to ensure fairness, equity, and transparency in the selection process for higher education. She also pointed out that the Bill does not adequately address the rights and status of girls who become pregnant while in school, emphasizing the need for equitable opportunities for them.
The GCC also raised concerns about imposing penalties on parents whose children do not attend school. Tuisawau noted that factors such as poverty, distance, and barriers to access significantly influence school attendance. “Implementing a compulsory $200 fee is burdensome for financially strapped parents who also need to provide meals and uniforms for their children,” she mentioned, arguing that penalties should not be enforced without taking these challenges into account.
Volau expressed caution that offering entirely free education might unintentionally lessen parental responsibility, stating, “If you don’t pay, usually you don’t value it.”
The GCC’s recommendations highlight the critical need for an educational framework that genuinely reflects and responds to the realities of iTaukei students, fostering an environment that promotes learning and personal development. By addressing these issues, there lies a hopeful potential for improved educational outcomes and enhanced opportunities for future generations.