The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has raised critical issues concerning the Draft Education Bill 2025, highlighting that over 10,000 families are grappling with severe economic challenges that impede access to education. During their presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, FCOSS emphasized that while the Bill includes provisions for free tuition, several obstacles remain. These include pervasive poverty, disruptions caused by natural disasters, and inadequate child protection measures.
Josaia Tokoni, the program manager at FCOSS, acknowledged the inclusion of several positive reforms in the Bill, such as free and compulsory education, the prohibition of corporal punishment, and the establishment of an Education Advisory Council. However, Tokoni pointed out that the Bill does not adequately reflect the lived experiences of vulnerable families. “Despite these commendable reforms, significant gaps persist that affect children’s ability to stay in school,” he stated.
Community engagement officer Selai Toganivalu collaborated with Save the Children Fiji, revealing that many families endure intense economic pressures that the proposed legislation fails to address. She criticized a one-size-fits-all approach to parental responsibility within the Bill, arguing it overlooks the complexities faced by low-income families.
Further pressing concerns were raised by Tokoni regarding the “hidden costs” of education, which encompass expenses related to transportation, uniforms, and learning materials. These costs are particularly burdensome for families residing in rural areas. He also noted that the Bill inadequately addresses the disruption of education caused by natural disasters, citing the adverse effects of cyclones on schools from 2016 to 2021.
Additionally, the FCOSS submission criticized the Bill for not being fully aligned with the Child Care and Protection Act 2024 and for lacking robust enforcement mechanisms that would require school staff to report child protection issues. The need for enhanced protections for children with disabilities was also highlighted, with a call for legal recognition of Individualised Education Plans to support inclusive education.
In response to these shortcomings, FCOSS has proposed seven recommendations aimed at improving the Draft Education Bill. These include broadening the definition of vulnerable children, implementing mandatory child protection reporting, strengthening disability protections, involving civil society organizations in the Education Advisory Council, creating a disaster resilience framework, empowering school committees through direct funding, and establishing Community Learning Centres to support parents.
By amplifying the voices of families affected by economic hardships and advocating for thorough educational reforms, FCOSS aims to contribute towards a more inclusive and effective educational environment in Fiji. Their commitment to addressing these pressing issues signifies a hopeful direction, endeavoring to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically, irrespective of their circumstances.