The Ministry of Education is intensifying its commitment to early childhood education, with an infusion of $32 million in the 2025–2026 national budget, which marks a $10 million increase from the previous year. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro articulated this during his budget response in Parliament, highlighting the pivotal role early education plays in laying a strong foundation for future learning.
The additional financial resources are set to enable full-time compensation for all 1,423 Early Childhood Education teachers operating across 873 pre-primary centers in the nation’s nine educational districts. Radrodro stressed the coalition government’s acknowledgment of the importance of access to early education, which is crucial for child development.
In a broader educational perspective, $1.1 million is earmarked specifically to facilitate the identification and support of students requiring special attention. This initiative aims to provide essential resources to enhance educators’ abilities to cater to the needs of these students.
The overarching education budget stands at $847.4 million, enabling the Ministry to further its efforts in fortifying the educational framework of the country. Past initiatives, including those that focus on teacher welfare and infrastructural improvements, are in line with this commitment, promising a holistic enhancement of the educational landscape.
Former budgets have reflected the government’s ongoing dedication to education, with increased allocations that have previously included significant funding for teacher recruitment and special programs aimed at supporting both students and educators.
These strategic financial commitments suggest a nurturing approach towards building a robust educational system in Fiji. By emphasizing early childhood education and the importance of specialized support for diverse learning needs, there is hope for a positive transformation in the future of education for the younger generation, ensuring they receive the resources and attention necessary to thrive.
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