A significant revelation by the government has highlighted a concerning trend of student dropouts from schools between 2019 and 2023, even with the implementation of a free education scheme. The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, along with teachers’ unions and the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, has called on parents, guardians, and stakeholders to prioritize education in Fiji.
During a recent parliamentary session, Mr. Radrodro revealed that a total of 5,726 students did not complete Year 10 during this four-year timeframe, which averages to about 1,431 dropouts each year. Furthermore, data from the Ministry’s Fiji Education Management Information System Database (FEMIS) indicated that 4,589 primary school students were unregistered in schools over the same period.
While specific reasons for these dropouts have not been systematically tracked, some disclosed reasons include deaths, migration, transfers from public to private institutions, and medical conditions.
In response to the troubling statistics, the Ministry has been collaborating with school leaders to conduct home visits and provide counseling for “at-risk students” to encourage their continued education. However, issues such as family breakdown, migration, and the move into formal employment have been cited as factors contributing to the increasing dropout rates.
Mr. Radrodro emphasized the need for a collective approach involving government agencies, civil society, religious organizations, and families to tackle this pressing issue.
To mitigate the situation, the Ministry has introduced several strategies, including:
– Alternative pathways through Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and micro-skills training.
– A Special Inclusive Education Grant (SIEG) for eligible school-age children.
– Transport assistance for students.
– Provision of textbooks to lessen financial burdens.
– Access to extracurricular activities, such as sports, cadet training, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The situation has elicited strong reactions from educational and religious leaders. Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teacher’s Union (FTU), and Paula Manumanunitoga, his counterpart at the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA), have been vocal about the urgent need for intervention to secure the future of Fiji.
Reverend Simione Tugi, general secretary of the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, voiced his concerns, stating that educating children is vital for the nation’s future leadership. He cautioned about the potential increase in youth crime rates if the current trends continue.
Reverend Tugi also stressed the importance of strengthening family units to combat these issues. He urged parents to devote more time to their children, asserting that the government has already made provisions for free schooling and transportation. He called on families to ensure that children are sent to school for a brighter and more prosperous Fiji.