The Education Ministry in Fiji has confirmed a pressing demand for teachers, particularly in the STEM sectors as well as in Physical Education, Music, Art, and Craft. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro addressed Parliament, highlighting various strategic measures being implemented to retain and recruit more teachers in these critical areas. This move comes amidst a wave of teacher resignations, especially pronounced in the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, pointing to a global trend where teachers are increasingly seeking better opportunities abroad.
To combat this shortage, Fiji’s Ministry of Education is taking decisive steps. Minister Radrodro announced plans to recruit final-year students from teacher training institutions starting in January 2024, as well as primary school teachers, to fill the void in these specialized subjects. The ministry is not only focusing on recruitment but also on retention policies, such as raising the retirement age from 60 to 62 for teachers in STEM fields, aiming to prolong the careers of experienced educators.
This issue was brought to the forefront by Opposition MP Hem Chand, who requested clarity on the subjects most impacted by the shortages. In response, Minister Radrodro reiterated the global nature of the teacher shortage problem, referencing the UNESCO Global Report on Teachers, and assured the Parliament that the Ministry of Education is tirelessly working to support and maintain a robust educational workforce across the nation.
Additionally, the Ministry has collaborated with the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Scheme (TSLS) to bolster recruitment efforts and address the teaching gaps swiftly. This is part of a broader push by the People’s Coalition Government to ensure quality education in Fiji despite global challenges, by implementing comprehensive strategies that involve stakeholders from various sectors including education and government.
The commitment to addressing these staffing shortages through effective recruitment and retention strategies demonstrates a proactive stance by Fiji’s Education Ministry aimed at enhancing the quality of education in the face of a global teacher shortage, ensuring every student has access to dedicated and qualified educators. This dedication to bolstering Fiji’s educational system is a hopeful testament to the nation’s effort to overcome these challenges, ensuring a brighter academic future for its citizens.