The Ministry of Education has announced that payments for teachers’ location allowance will be processed in Pay 21. This initiative is in line with the Ministry’s policy, which states that teachers serving in schools located at least 45 kilometers away from the nearest declared city or township are eligible for this financial support.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirmed that single officers qualify for a maximum allowance of $1,200 gross annually, while married officers are entitled to $1,800. A total of 514 schools, primarily situated in rural and maritime areas, are eligible for this allowance, encompassing 69 secondary schools, 445 primary schools, and early childhood education centers.
Radrodro explained that to ensure fairness in the distribution of this allowance, the Ministry had conducted due diligence to verify that the entitlement goes to the right teachers. Currently, 4,185 teachers are set to receive this allowance, amounting to over $2.1 million. Additionally, there are 1,084 requests from Heads of Schools that the Ministry is still processing, with District Education Officers following up on these requests.
The Minister emphasized that the location allowance serves not just as a form of financial support, but also as a recognition of the crucial role that teachers play in the lives of their students and the community. This support reflects the government’s appreciation of educators’ dedication, especially those serving in challenging locations.
This initiative reinforces the broader commitment of the Ministry to enhance educational conditions and acknowledge the efforts of teachers, indicating a positive direction for both educators and the educational landscape in the country. As the Ministry continues to invest in its teachers, it fosters hope for a stronger educational system that values and supports those dedicated to shaping the future of students in Fiji.