Opposition parliamentarian Hem Chand has expressed his dismay at Education Minister Aseri Radrodro’s recent disclosure that more than 1,000 students have reportedly dropped out of primary school over the past five years.
During a recent parliamentary session, Mr. Chand inquired about the ministry’s efforts to identify students forced to leave school and the support systems in place for these children. He also questioned how many students had exited the education system without completing primary education and Year 10 during this five-year span from 2019 to 2023.
Mr. Chand emphasized that the dropout rate of over 1,000 students before reaching Year 8 is “absolutely shocking,” especially considering the free education initiative launched by the Bainimarama government in 2014. He pointed out that the government has invested approximately $650 million in the Free Education Grant over the last decade, benefiting 738 primary schools, 176 secondary schools, and over 870 early childhood education institutions.
He argued that this financial assistance has relieved some economic pressure on parents, students, teachers, and school management. Mr. Chand reiterated that children represent the future of Fiji and stressed the importance of ensuring their education.
He warned that if the Coalition government does not effectively tackle the dropout crisis, it may lead to an increase in youth-related crimes, as evidenced by teenagers seen loitering in Lautoka City, asking for money rather than being in school.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about the rising drug problem, noting that students have been found in possession of drugs, and illegal substances are turning up on school grounds. Mr. Chand criticized the Coalition Government for its lack of concrete action regarding dropout prevention and related issues, stating that there have only been plans with little follow-through.