At the 42nd Fiji Head Teachers Association Conference in Nadi, more than 700 school leaders heard that only 630 of 738 primary schools have filed the Fiji Education Management Information System requirements needed for their Free Education Grant assessments. Speaking on the challenges surrounding FEG audit reports, Ministry of Education senior auditor Ana Waqanisau questioned how school heads are managing their operations without the required grant documentation.
Some of the schools reviewed in relation to their FEG allocations were described as noncompliant. “You know who you are,” Waqanisau warned, stressing that failing to comply with related policies could undermine the ministry’s and government’s broader educational goals of providing a learning platform adequate for the country’s children. “So if you are not being compliant with the policies that are related to FEG, how are you going to meet your goals? Because you are denying the students the assistance they need,” she added.
Waqanisau also emphasized that an audit of grant use should not be seen as a punitive exercise. “The next time when you see an audit report on your table it is not there to penalise you or pinpoint the errors that you have made in whatever process that you do, especially in the FEG aspect and any other policy or process that you have to do. You take it as a positive remark in actually moving forward because the internal audit is highlighting your errors and it gives you a level of confidence moving forward.”
Context and broader outlook
– The Free Education Grant program has expanded across Fiji’s education system, with ongoing efforts to improve oversight, transparency, and accountability in fund use. Past reporting indicates the program reaches hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of students, supported by a substantial multi-million-dollar allocation.
– Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for responsible fund management and diligent record-keeping, noting that misused or poorly documented funds undermine student outcomes and public trust. In earlier years, the ministry has referred cases to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to pursue investigations and ensure proper accountability.
– The current conference—and the ministry’s messages about audits and compliance—align with broader reforms aimed at giving schools greater flexibility in how they deploy funding while maintaining strong governance and monitoring to ensure resources directly support learning.
What this means for schools
– Ensure timely submission of Fiji Education Management Information System requirements for FEG assessments.
– Maintain thorough, auditable records of all grant expenditures, receipts, and project progress to support transparency.
– View audits as opportunities to strengthen internal controls, not as punitive measures.
– Foster collaboration between school leadership and ministry officials to address gaps and safeguard student access to resources.
Commentary and takeaway
The emphasis on compliance and constructive audits signals a continued push to protect public funds while expanding access to quality education. By tightening reporting and accountability, the ministry aims to ensure that every Fiji child benefits from the Free Education Grant without financial mismanagement impeding progress. If schools respond with robust documentation and proactive governance, the program can deliver on its promise of wide, equitable learning opportunities and stronger educational outcomes.
Positive note
There is reason for optimism: with clear expectations, ongoing reforms, and a focus on accountability, Fiji’s education system can strengthen trust in public funding and empower schools to tailor resources to local needs, ultimately benefiting students and communities nationwide.
Leave a comment