In a significant move to boost literacy among students, the Tailevu province in Fiji plans to establish ten pilot schools, complete with libraries that will promote reading and writing skills. Dr. Akanisi Kedrayate, chair of the province’s education committee, recently announced that five of these schools will be situated in Tailevu South, while the remaining five will be in Tailevu North.
Dr. Kedrayate expressed her concerns regarding the literacy issues observed among students, particularly in their reading and communication abilities. As a university lecturer, she has witnessed students’ struggles with writing assignments, which are exacerbated by their dependence on mobile phones and an increasing trend of plagiarism. “They need to think for themselves,” she stressed, emphasizing the importance of fostering independent thought in students.
To combat these issues, the Tailevu Education Committee is dedicated to not only launching these pilot schools but also to continuing a scholarship program that has a strong track record; 80 percent of recipients graduate from tertiary education. Funded through community fundraising efforts during the annual Tailevu ni Siga event, this program reportedly raises between $50,000 to $100,000.
The new schools are set to include libraries that will house a blend of iTaukei and English language books, aimed at creating a rich and diverse reading environment for students. This initiative is also a collaborative effort that involves support from the Tailevu community in Brisbane, marking a hopeful advancement in the educational landscape and underlining the commitment to elevate literacy standards among youth.
These developments align with broader educational reform discussions taking place throughout Fiji, where other regions, such as Macuata province, are also taking steps to improve literacy rates. Recent efforts in Macuata have seen local districts pledge $360,000 for educational enhancements, showcasing a strong commitment to bolstering academic opportunities and tackling similar challenges faced by students in Tailevu.
Overall, these initiatives reflect a positive shift towards prioritizing education and developing the fundamental skills necessary for academic success. The proactive efforts being undertaken in Tailevu and Macuata highlight a collective resolve to improve educational outcomes and contribute to the creation of a literate society.