The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has expressed concern over a worrying trend of declining student engagement and performance in Fiji’s education system. During a recent parliamentary session, he shared insights derived from this year’s Fiji Year 8 Examination (FY8E) results, which reflected a pass rate of 69 percent. While this marks the highest national pass rate recorded in recent years, nearly 6,000 out of 19,359 registered students still failed to meet the criteria to progress to Year 9.
Radrodro pointed to a consistent decline in student performance from 2015 to 2024, with a notable drop to 62 percent in 2022, followed by slight recovery in 2023. He highlighted critical systemic challenges impacting student outcomes. These include a lack of motivation among students, a curriculum that fails to meet contemporary needs, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate leadership within schools.
The Minister emphasized the necessity for significant changes to foster a greater learning environment. He noted that many students lack foundational skills in essential subjects, particularly mathematics, and have low attendance rates attributed to a mix of personal and motivational issues. The disparities in academic performance were evident between urban and rural students, alongside ethnic variances in pass rates.
To address these pressing concerns, the Ministry is proposing several reforms. Plans are in place to introduce Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs for Year 8 and 9 students to better align education with workforce needs. Furthermore, the Ministry aims to reassess the controversial “no-repeat” policy, which allows students to progress even after failing, alongside a strong commitment to improving curriculum relevance, particularly in subjects such as mathematics.
Mr. Radrodro stressed the collective responsibility shared by teachers, parents, and communities in promoting education’s value and student motivation. He advocates for collaborative efforts to create a supportive learning atmosphere, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
This call to action reflects a hopeful vision for the future of education in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of reform and community engagement to cultivate an environment where students can truly succeed.
In summary, while current challenges exist in Fiji’s education system, the proactive measures proposed by the Ministry indicate a strong commitment to improving academic outcomes and engaging students more effectively. Collaboration among various stakeholders could play a pivotal role in reshaping the educational landscape for future generations, inspiring hope for a more engaged and academically successful student body.
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