President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has reiterated the necessity of providing equal access to quality education for every child in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of including those from rural and remote communities. His comments came during a courtesy visit from members of the Fiji Education Commission at State House.
During this meeting, which was led by Chairperson Professor Vijay Naidu, the Commission provided an update on its ongoing work and sought the President’s insights as they conduct a national review of the education system. Ratu Naiqama applauded the Commission’s endeavors to fortify Fiji’s educational framework, asserting that education is the foundation for national development and should be accessible to all communities, regardless of location.
The President acknowledged that while rural schools are achieving commendable performance levels, urban schools are doing adequately, there remains a critical need for more targeted support to ensure that every child, whether in urban centers or remote villages, has an equitable opportunity to thrive.
He also recognized the significant role played by faith-based schools, which constitute approximately 26 percent of all educational institutions in Fiji. He praised these institutions for instilling values in students alongside fostering academic excellence. Furthermore, the President underscored the importance of lifelong learning, noting that graduates in vital fields such as medicine and education frequently return to their communities to promote local development.
Members of the Commission, who are seasoned educators and academics, raised various issues plaguing the education sector. They expressed their support for the inclusion of early childhood education in the proposed Education Bill and acknowledged the essential role of teachers, especially in challenging environments. The discussion also touched on the migration of skilled professionals, including educators and healthcare workers, and the need for strategic planning to fill the resulting gaps in critical services provided to the public.
President Ratu Naiqama emphasized the need to prepare students for global advancements, which include technological literacy and the ability to adapt to artificial intelligence, while ensuring that equitable access to quality education is maintained throughout all communities. The Fiji Education Commission, appointed by the Cabinet, is tasked with reviewing feedback from the Education Summit and will soon present recommendations designed to enhance teaching quality, school leadership, and curriculum development across all educational levels—from preschool to high school, including non-formal and vocational education.
This proactive approach by the President and the Education Commission reflects a commitment to nurturing an educated populace capable of driving progress and development within Fiji’s diverse communities.