Sangeeta Singh, the chief executive officer of the Fiji Teachers Registration Authority (FTRA), voiced significant concerns regarding gaps in the recently proposed Education Bill during her testimony before the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights. She argued that the draft fails to accurately address the realities and operational needs of teacher registration in Fiji.
Despite the FTRA being designated as a State body over a decade ago in 2013, Singh indicated that the governing Act has not undergone a comprehensive review since its enactment, resulting in the absence of essential legal definitions. She emphasized that even the function of the chief executive officer, a crucial element for managing day-to-day operations, is not clearly articulated in the current draft.
Singh passionately pointed out that the Bill’s ambiguity regarding the various categories of teacher registration—limited authority, provisional, and full registration—needs clarity. The confusion surrounding these distinctions could hinder the registration process and ultimately affect the quality of education. “No knowledge provider is granted full registration in the first place; that needs to be clearly spelled out in the Bill,” she asserted.
Moreover, she expressed practical concerns over the current provision that entrusts the board solely with the authority to grant limited teaching licenses. Singh highlighted that the FTRA processes approximately 20,000 teacher registrations each year, making it impractical for the board to handle all approvals daily. Currently, the CEO is authorized to manage this process, delegating complex cases to the board as necessary. Without explicit delegation in the Bill, potential delays could arise, particularly impacting teachers in rural regions who might face repercussions while waiting for approval.
Singh also pointed out notable omissions within the draft legislation, such as the absence of provisions addressing private schools, expatriate teachers, and induction programs. “We do register all private schools and expatriate teachers, but there is no mention about that,” she noted, underscoring the need for comprehensive legislation that encompasses all aspects of teacher registration.
In conclusion, Singh committed to providing the committee with a detailed summary that outlines current practices and proposed amendments to enhance the Bill. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the legislation incorporates all relevant components necessary for effective teacher registration in Fiji, thereby fostering an educational system that can genuinely meet the needs of students and educators alike.
Leave a comment