The rising number of school dropouts has prompted the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) General Secretary Muniappa Gounder to call for a review of the school curriculum by the Ministry of Education. Gounder noted that students today are quickly losing interest in their studies and argued that the curriculum needs to be made more engaging to maintain their attention.
Gounder emphasized that a revised curriculum should be relevant and relatable to local contexts. Recently, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro disclosed that from 2019 to 2023, 5,726 students dropped out before completing Year 10. He acknowledged that while specific reasons for dropouts weren’t fully documented, factors reported at the school level included death, migration, transitioning from public to private schools, and health issues.
Additionally, Gounder spoke against relying on a curriculum modeled after overseas systems, which can be challenging for students and lead to disengagement. He pointed out that some schools have begun offering digital learning, suggesting this aligns with the needs of students who are now accustomed to technology. He believes that creating an engaging school environment is crucial to reduce absenteeism.
Gounder further indicated that government welfare programs might also contribute to a lack of motivation among students. He argued that parents are not taking their responsibilities seriously, as the support provided can lead to complacency. In contrast, he recalled a time when parental sacrifices motivated children to excel in their education. Gounder expressed concern that many parents are not actively involved in their children’s academic lives, leading to a decline in commitment and effort.
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