The increasing rate of school dropouts has prompted Muniappa Gounder, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), to urge the Ministry of Education to reassess the school curriculum. Gounder emphasized that children today are quickly losing interest in their studies, suggesting that the curriculum should be revised to be more engaging and relevant to students’ lives.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro recently reported that between 2019 and 2023, a total of 5,726 students left school before completing Year 10. While specific reasons for these dropouts were not documented, common explanations noted at schools include family deaths, migration, switching from public to private schools, and health issues.
Gounder highlighted the need for a curriculum that is locally relevant rather than based on overseas models that may not resonate with students. He pointed out that many schools are implementing digital learning, which aligns with students’ upbringing in a digital environment, asserting that this approach could enhance engagement.
He also noted that increasing absenteeism is a reflection of the students’ disinterest in school. Furthermore, Gounder suggested that government incentives may be contributing to a lack of motivation for some children. He criticized the current attitude of some parents, who may be less involved in their children’s education, which he believes undermines motivation.
He remarked on the differences in parental involvement compared to past generations, stating that many parents today appear to be less committed and engaged with their children’s schooling.
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