A significant education crisis is currently affecting Ba Province, with over 21,000 school-aged children reportedly not enrolled in any educational institutions. This alarming statistic was highlighted by the chairman of the Ba Provincial Council, Ratu Meli Tora, during the launch of an educational empowerment initiative in Lautoka.
Ratu Meli emphasized that the rising enrollment figures reflect more than just statistics; they signify lost dreams and missed opportunities for many families. Data from this year indicates that the number of children not attending school has increased from 18,271 in a village profiling report conducted in 2019.
The council chairman attributed this crisis to various factors, including rural-urban migration, economic difficulties, and family instability. Young women, in particular, face additional challenges, such as early pregnancies and traditional domestic responsibilities, which hinder their educational prospects.
During a two-day training program for enumerators participating in the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana Ko Ba’s (SSViT) empowerment through education project, Ratu Meli highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue. He noted that the lack of education not only affects individual potential but also has broader implications for the community and economy.
Research has linked issues like teen substance abuse to school performance, suggesting that students who engage in drug use often suffer from poor grades and increased absenteeism, which further contributes to the dropout rate.
In a positive development, the SSViT project, supported by a partnership with the Fiji National University, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and Brot für die Welt, is working to gather data on school dropout rates. Eighteen to nineteen enumerators will be trained to conduct this essential research in pilot locations within the province.
Ratu Meli expressed hope that the data collected will inform the implementation of initiatives aimed at addressing the educational crisis and empowering children through education. By focusing on these challenges, there is potential for meaningful change in the lives of many children, leading to brighter futures.
This initiative underscores the importance of education in fostering resilience and progress within communities, and with continued support, there is hope for turning the tide on this education crisis in Ba Province.
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