Parliament has identified urgent challenges in the education sector, primarily focusing on teacher shortages, rising incidents of student misconduct, and insufficient school infrastructure. This revelation was made during the presentation of the consolidated review report of the Ministry of Education, Heritage & Arts for the years 2021-2023.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, emphasized that increasing student violence, drug use, and attacks on teachers have created a pressing need for action. She highlighted that stronger parental engagement and the full implementation of the parent-teacher partnership framework are crucial to tackling academic and behavioral hurdles.
A significant finding from the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence indicated that there are only 35 professional counselors serving approximately 917 schools. The report noted that teachers and child protection officers often find themselves providing counseling outside their expertise. To rectify this, Qereqeretabua recommended the immediate recruitment of full-time counselors across all districts.
Concerns have also been raised regarding a noticeable decline in English proficiency among students, particularly in certain schools in the Western Division. The committee suggested a review of assessment structures, the reinstatement of school libraries with dedicated librarians, and the implementation of a literacy recovery program for students in Years 5 to 8 to promote home reading.
The teacher shortage remains a critical issue, as more than 500 secondary teachers have left their positions between 2021 and 2023. Qereqeretabua called for improved retention strategies, including better incentives for teachers, permanent appointment of over 3,000 acting teachers, and partnerships with tertiary institutions to train teachers for high-demand subjects like Mathematics and Physics.
Infrastructure challenges were also highlighted, with urgent needs for improved electricity, water supply, and dormitory renovations in rural and maritime schools. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged that the Ministry is acting on these recommendations by establishing counseling hubs, enhancing digital connectivity, and prioritizing accommodation for rural students.
Opposition MPs have echoed the call for better teacher remuneration, reduced workloads, and mandatory parental participation in counseling sessions. Qereqeretabua described the report as a critical roadmap for change and urged Parliament to ensure that schools have sufficient resources to foster safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments.
These discussions reflect a significant recognition of the challenges facing the education system in Fiji. With concerted efforts from the government, educators, and the community, there is optimism that the necessary reforms and improvements will enable students to receive a quality education in an environment conducive to their growth.