The increasing rate of school dropouts has prompted Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), to urge the Ministry of Education to reassess the school curriculum. Gounder pointed out that children today are losing interest in their studies much faster than before and that the curriculum needs to be revised to make it more engaging and relevant.
“There is a concerning trend of children losing interest in school daily,” Gounder stated. He emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education to conduct a comprehensive review of the curriculum to ensure it is locally relevant and relatable to students.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro recently disclosed that between 2019 and 2023, a total of 5,726 students dropped out before reaching Year 10. While the specific reasons for these dropouts were not fully documented, common causes at the school level were noted to include death, migration, transitioning from public to private schools, and health issues.
Gounder expressed his concern about adopting a curriculum that is heavily influenced by overseas standards, which may not resonate with local students. He also highlighted the growing trend of digital learning in schools, noting that today’s children, who are naturally adept with technology, desire more engaging educational experiences.
“Since children are now digital natives, we must embrace digital learning as part of the future,” Gounder added. He believes that teaching methods must evolve to captivate students’ attention, as the rising rates of absenteeism indicate a loss of interest in schooling.
Furthermore, Gounder suggested that government provisions might contribute to a lack of motivation among children to attend school. He argued that many parents are not taking their responsibilities seriously due to the support they receive, saying, “When parents invest in education, they are more likely to encourage their children to excel.”
Reflecting on past experiences, Gounder remarked that previous generations were motivated by their parents’ sacrifices to afford education. He expressed concern that modern parents seem to lack commitment and effort concerning their children’s schooling.
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