Adi Pasemaca Valalau, a resident of Naduri Village in Macuata, has expressed concern that children should not bear the blame for academic failures. Her remarks came during the Macuata Provincial Council meeting at Sasa Village, where the focus was on the results of the 2024 Fiji Year 8 Examination. Valalau emphasized that children are facing confusion due to the frequent changes in the education curriculum, which has been altered three times over the last twenty years under different education ministers.
She highlighted that the transition period can be challenging for teachers, who require time to comprehend the new curriculum before they can effectively impart knowledge to students. Valalau questioned how children could be expected to succeed in their exams amidst such instability. Drawing from her own experiences, she noted that in her era, parents could assist with homework because the curriculum was consistent. However, many current parents find it difficult to support their children academically due to the unfamiliarity with the new educational content.
Valalau argued that the system itself, rather than parents, should be held accountable for the academic challenges students face. This perspective calls for a review and potential reform of the education system to better support both teachers and students.
In a hopeful note, her comments could serve as a catalyst for discussions on educational reform in Fiji. By addressing the root causes of academic struggles, there is an opportunity to create a more supportive environment for both students and educators, ultimately fostering better educational outcomes in the future.
This situation invites collaboration among educational leaders, policymakers, and communities to build a more effective curriculum that aligns with the needs of today’s students and prepares them for future challenges.
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