In an effort to enhance literacy among students, Tailevu province in Fiji is set to establish ten pilot schools, which will also include libraries designed to support reading and writing skills. Academic Doctor Akanisi Kedrayate, chair of the province’s education committee, announced that five schools will be located in Tailevu South and the other five in Tailevu North.
Dr. Kedrayate expressed deep concern regarding students’ abilities to read and communicate, referencing issues she has observed as a university lecturer. She highlighted that many students struggle with writing assignments, a challenge compounded by their reliance on mobile phones and the prevalence of plagiarism. “They need to think for themselves,” she stated, underscoring the necessity for developing independent thought among students.
To address these challenges, the Tailevu Education Committee has committed not only to establishing pilot schools but also to continuing their scholarship program, which has successfully seen 80 percent of its recipients graduate from tertiary education. These scholarships are funded by the local community’s fundraising efforts during the annual Tailevu ni Siga event, with financial support ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
As part of the initiative, the schools will also feature libraries stocked with both iTaukei and English language books, promoting a diverse reading environment for students. This collaborative project, which includes a partnership with the Tailevu community in Brisbane, is a hopeful sign of a concerted effort to uplift education standards and foster critical literacy skills among the youth.
These developments resonate with ongoing educational reform discussions across Fiji, where initiatives are being implemented to tackle declining literacy rates in various regions. For instance, recent efforts in Fiji’s Macuata province have involved local districts pledging to raise $360,000 for educational improvements, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing academic opportunities and addressing challenges similar to those seen in Tailevu.
In a broader context, such initiatives signal a positive shift towards prioritizing education and the essential skills that underpin a successful academic journey. The proactive approaches being undertaken in both Tailevu and Macuata exemplify a collective determination to foster better educational outcomes and cultivate a literate society.