The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has called for a review of the Education Act of 1966 in light of rising school dropout rates in the country. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that the current Act restricts the ministry, teachers, and school committees from effectively addressing issues related to students who drop out or fail to receive an adequate education.
Mr. Radrodro highlighted that this review was one of several topics discussed at the Denarau Education Summit in Nadi last year. He stated, “The Act is limiting the roles and responsibilities of the Ministry of Education for those students who come to school. When they leave school, they don’t become our responsibilities.” He pointed out that addressing school dropouts involves collaboration with other government departments.
According to Mr. Radrodro, the issue of school dropouts is not new and has persisted across previous administrations. He acknowledged that solutions will not be immediate and require collective efforts from various stakeholders, including parents, guardians, communities, and religious groups, to create a supportive environment for students. He stressed that when a child fails to attend school, it is crucial for the surrounding community to inform teachers and parents so that appropriate measures can be taken.
In a related discussion, Mr. Radrodro mentioned the potential repeal of the no-transfer policy and the introduction of Vocational Technical Institutes aimed at assisting students who struggle with academic subjects. He noted that during a recent visit to New Zealand, the team observed successful vocational training programs that allowed students to engage in practical skills such as construction, catering, and auto-mechanics while still pursuing their education.
He stressed the importance of providing diverse opportunities for students, stating that education should not solely focus on academic performance but also empower students to prepare for their futures through various vocational paths.
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