A powerful call for enhanced empowerment of women and youth in shaping educational initiatives throughout the Pacific was made during the opening of the Council of Pacific Education Women’s Network Training in Nadi. Lenora Qereqeretabua, Deputy Speaker and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, highlighted that meaningful progress in education stems from community cohesion, bravery, and collective advocacy.
In her speech, Qereqeretabua emphasized the crucial role families play in laying the educational groundwork for children. She firmly stated that education begins at home and cautioned against the common tendency to place blame on schools and educators for educational shortcomings. “Too often, teachers and the education systems get blamed for something that was seriously lacking back home,” she said, encouraging participants to reflect on these dynamics throughout the workshop.
Fiji has been proactive in investing in education, offering free primary and secondary schooling, assistance with bus fares, support for textbooks, and various scholarship programs. These efforts signify the government’s commitment to providing all children with equal access to education, regardless of their backgrounds or locations.
Neselinda Meta, Secretary General of the Council of Pacific Education, also addressed attendees, urging governments in the region to enhance public funding for education and cultivate partnerships that support equity and empowerment. She emphasized the event as a vital opportunity for women to enhance their leadership skills, forge networks, and advocate for fully funded public education.
Meta stated, “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 convenes women leaders, educators, and union representatives from across various Pacific nations to share insights and promote gender equality in the educational realm. This initiative is essential for cultivating dialogue about education and gender issues and aligns with larger regional objectives aimed at enhancing women’s empowerment and representation.
As discussions progress, there is palpable hope for a collective movement targeted at establishing a more equitable educational environment for future generations. The enthusiasm surrounding these initiatives signals an optimistic outlook for both education and gender equality in the Pacific, where a diverse range of voices can contribute to transformative change.