A strong call for greater empowerment of women and youth in shaping educational initiatives across the Pacific was made during the opening of the Council of Pacific Education Women’s Network Training held in Nadi. Lenora Qereqeretabua, the Deputy Speaker and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasized that progress in education is deeply rooted in community unity, courage, and collective advocacy.
In her remarks, Qereqeretabua underscored the pivotal role families play in a child’s educational foundation, asserting that education indeed starts at home. She addressed the tendency to blame schools and teachers for shortcomings, stressing the need to acknowledge the foundational responsibilities of families. “Too often, teachers and the education systems get blamed for something that was seriously lacking back home,” she stated, urging participants to focus on these dynamics during the workshop.
Fiji has been actively investing in education, providing free primary and secondary schooling, bus fare assistance, textbook support, and scholarship programs. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to education for all children, regardless of their backgrounds or locations.
Secretary General of the Council of Pacific Education, Neselinda Meta, also spoke at the event, urging governments across the region to bolster public funding for education while fostering partnerships that promote equity and empowerment. She highlighted the significance of the gathering as a platform for women to strengthen their leadership capabilities, build networks, and advocate for fully funded public education.
Meta asserted, “That’s why we are here today to build leadership, to raise our voices and to stand together in calling our governments for fully funded public education not only for our students but for the women sitting here and for the youth who teach, lead, and transform lives every day.”
The COPE Women’s Network Training brings together women leaders, educators, and union representatives from various Pacific nations to share experiences and advance gender equality within the educational landscape.
This event plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue about education and gender issues, aligning with broader regional efforts to promote women’s empowerment and representation. The ongoing discussions aim to create a collective movement towards building a more equitable educational environment for future generations. The optimism surrounding these initiatives reflects a hopeful vision for the future of education and gender equality in the Pacific, where diverse voices lead to transformative change.