The alarming increase in school dropouts has prompted Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), to call for a review of the school curriculum by the Ministry of Education. He noted that children today tend to lose interest in their studies quickly and emphasized the need for a more engaging curriculum to keep students interested.
Mr. Gounder expressed concern, stating, “Children are losing interest in school daily,” and urged for a curriculum that is relevant and relatable to children. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro recently revealed that between 2019 and 2023, a total of 5,726 students left school before completing Year 10. While specific reasons for dropouts weren’t detailed, common factors mentioned included death, migration, the transition from public to private schools, and medical issues.
“We don’t want a curriculum that is based overseas, where children find it difficult and quickly lose interest,” Mr. Gounder added. He pointed out that some schools have started implementing digital learning, appealing to the current generation of digital natives and highlighting the need for school experiences to be engaging to maintain students’ interest.
He noted a troubling rise in absenteeism linked to diminished interest in school. Furthermore, Mr. Gounder suggested that government support might contribute to a lack of motivation among students. He mentioned that some parents might not be taking their responsibilities seriously due to the reliance on assistance.
“When you invest your money into something, you will always encourage your children to work hard so that your investment is not in vain,” he stated. He remarked on the difference from previous generations, recalling how parents of his time worked hard to provide education for their children, which inspired them to excel. He concluded that many parents today may lack commitment and involvement in their children’s education.
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