The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) is calling for the elimination of the no-repeat policy in the country’s schools. FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga has urged the Coalition Government and the Ministry of Education to seriously consider abolishing this policy.
Manumanunitoga stated that automatic promotion every year is counterproductive, attributing it to declining student grades and failures in assessments and exams. He mentioned that research has shown a drop in Fiji’s literacy and numeracy rankings, once first in the Pacific, to sixth and seventh places, respectively.
He expressed disappointment that the new government has not acted to remove the policy, which he believes leads to a lack of urgency among parents to monitor their children’s academic performance, as students are automatically promoted regardless of their achievements.
Since the policy’s implementation in 2008-2009, it has reportedly diminished parents’ sense of responsibility to engage with their children’s education. Manumanunitoga highlighted the concerning dropout rate at the primary school level, which stands at 4,589, and argues that eliminating the no-repeat policy could reduce this figure.
He emphasizes that increased parental involvement in monitoring student performance, alongside teachers being motivated to support repeaters, would lead to better educational outcomes. The FTA is urging the government to reject the no-repeat policy swiftly to enhance Fiji’s academic status in the Pacific region.
Inquiries directed to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro and Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca regarding this matter have not yet received a response.
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