The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has urged the Government to revise the Draft Education Bill to effectively address the unique challenges faced by iTaukei students, particularly boys and those residing in rural areas. During a presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, GCC education committee chairman Iosefa Volau emphasized the need for the bill to reflect current realities rather than simply updating an outdated law.
Volau revealed alarming statistics indicating that approximately 20 percent of students drop out before completing Year 12, with boys and rural children being the most affected. The dropout rates for boys between Year 8 and Year 12 stand at 31 percent, in stark contrast to just 9 percent for girls. He linked these educational challenges to broader social issues, noting that iTaukei individuals represent 70 to 82 percent of drug-related crimes.
“These challenges cannot be addressed with one-size-fits-all solutions; education strategies have been implemented without considering specific needs for too long,” Volau stated, affirming that any educational reforms must be relevant and targeted toward iTaukei students.
The GCC also recommended that the bill must clearly define its purpose and acknowledge the council’s role as the custodian of land, people, and culture in guiding educational policy. Susana Tuisawau, another GCC representative, raised concerns regarding the removal of ethnic identifiers from official records, arguing that the absence of disaggregated data hampers the identification and support of students in need.
Moreover, Tuisawau pointed out that overcrowded classrooms and inadequate teacher-student ratios are leading to behavioral problems and safety hazards for students and educators alike. “Some desks come right up to the blackboards, presenting a safety issue for students’ eyes and for teachers,” she noted.
Volau added that headteachers are facing challenges in maintaining discipline because of restrictions on suspensions and expulsions, which diminishes the deterrent effect for serious misconduct. GCC member Emitai Boladuadua highlighted the discrepancy between the constitutional guarantees of free education and the reality faced by families, where iTaukei households, which represent 75 percent of those living in extreme poverty, struggle with additional costs associated with uniforms, meals, and fundraising initiatives.
“The principle of free education must be upheld, not only as a constitutional right but also as a practical reality,” Boladuadua emphasized. The GCC suggested that the bill should incorporate fair assessments and opportunities for students.
Salote Rabuka, another GCC member, discussed the importance of scaling marks in external examinations to ensure fairness, equity, and transparency in selecting students for higher education. She also pointed out that the Bill fails to address the rights and status of girls who become pregnant while in school, stressing the importance of ensuring they are afforded equitable opportunities.
The GCC expressed concerns regarding imposing penalties on parents whose children do not attend school, with Tuisawau pointing out that poverty, distance, and access barriers play significant roles in school attendance. She stated, “Imposing a compulsory $200 fee is burdensome for a financially challenged parent who must also cover meals, uniforms, and sandals for their children. Penalties on parents cannot be enforced without understanding these challenges.”
Volau cautioned that offering completely free education could inadvertently diminish parental responsibility, stating, “If you don’t pay, usually you don’t value it.”
The GCC’s recommendations underscore the necessity for an educational framework that truly reflects and addresses the realities faced by iTaukei students, particularly in fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.