Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, is advocating for fundamental changes in Fiji’s education system. He has urged the Coalition Government and the Education Ministry to reconsider the no-repeat policy implemented in schools, which automatically promotes students to the next grade each year regardless of their academic performance.
Manumanunitoga argues that this policy has contributed to declining student performance, marking a significant drop in Fiji’s literacy and numeracy rankings within the Pacific region, where the country once held the top positions. He pointed out that prior to the policy’s introduction, parents were more engaged in their children’s education, often willing to pay for their child’s repetition in a grade to ensure a stronger foundation. The automatic promotion system, introduced in 2008-2009, has diminished the urgency for parents to actively monitor academic progress, resulting in a lack of accountability.
Highlighting concerns raised earlier this year by Lau Provincial Council chairperson Ratu Meli Saubulinayau, Manumanunitoga has drawn attention to the implications of promoting students without adequate mastery of essential skills like mathematics and language arts. The failure to address these foundational gaps could lead to higher dropout rates at the primary school level, a trend that needs urgent intervention.
The article encourages reflection on the current education system and questions whether it adequately prepares children for the future. Previous reports indicated a concerning number of students entering high school without basic reading skills, a widespread issue that several educational leaders have noted. Despite investments in education over the years, the persistence of such challenges raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and curricula.
In light of these discussions, the call for reevaluation of the no-repeat policy reflects a growing desire for improvement. The focus on foundational skills is not only essential for individual student success but is also pivotal for national development. As stakeholders in education engage in these important conversations, it becomes imperative to prioritize students’ needs and potential, working towards a system that truly supports their growth and learning.
Commentary: It’s crucial that the government and education authorities recognize the value of feedback from educators like Manumanunitoga. A system that prioritizes genuine understanding and mastery of subjects over mere progression can only serve to uplift the standards of education in Fiji. Ensuring that students are well-prepared for the future not only benefits them but is an investment in the country’s success as a whole.
Summary: Paula Manumanunitoga, the Fijian Teachers Association general secretary, is advocating for the removal of the no-repeat policy in the education system, arguing that it has led to diminished academic performance. He points out the decline in Fiji’s literacy and numeracy rankings and stresses the need for parents to be more actively involved in their children’s education. The article calls for a reevaluation of the education approach to ensure students gain the necessary foundational skills for their future success.
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