The Minister of Education, Aseri Radrodro, has emphasized the urgent need to review the Education Act of 1966 due to rising school dropout rates in the country. In his remarks, made during a recent question-and-answer session, he pointed out that the current legislation restricts the ministry’s and educators’ ability to intervene when students leave school.
Radrodro noted that the limitations of the Act inhibit accountability for students who disengage from the education system. During discussions at the Denarau Education Summit last year, the review of the Education Act emerged as a significant topic among seven key issues addressed.
He acknowledged that the challenge of school dropouts isn’t new and has persisted across multiple administrations. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort, not only from the government but also from parents, guardians, and community stakeholders. The Minister stressed that collaboration and communication are vital to ensure every child is accounted for and encouraged community involvement in helping track school attendance.
In addition, Radrodro highlighted plans to amend policies surrounding student transfers and support for vocational training. He mentioned that his recent visit to New Zealand inspired ideas to introduce Vocational Technical Institutes meant to assist students who may not excel in academia. These programs aim to offer practical skills alongside traditional education, ensuring that students have various pathways to success.
This proactive approach signifies a hopeful direction for the education system, as it recognizes the multifaceted nature of educational responsibilities and seeks collective input from the community. By fostering collaboration between educational bodies and community members, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment that supports all students.
The focus on vocational training also implies a positive shift towards practical education, allowing students to develop skills that can lead to promising careers. This could significantly reduce the dropout rate while better preparing students for the workforce, underscoring the importance of adapting education to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
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