Two hundred Fijian teachers are participating in the inaugural Access Teacher Training Workshop, a pioneering initiative funded by the United States aimed at enhancing educational standards in Fiji. Launched by Stephanie Fitzmaurice, the Regional Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy, the workshop highlights America’s commitment to bolstering education and empowering teachers.

The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) Youth Wing has received a generous grant of US$40,000 (around FJD 92,000) to conduct these essential workshops, specifically tailored for English teachers. The training focuses on literacy skill development based on Fiji’s newly implemented literacy curriculum for primary education.

Training sessions are being held across several centers in Suva, Rakiraki, and Nadi, enabling widespread accessibility for educators from different regions. Esteemed facilitators, including Dr. Doaa Rashed, an English Language Specialist from Rutgers University, along with senior representatives from Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Australia-Fiji Program Support Facility, are leading these workshops.

At the workshop’s launch, Fitzmaurice commended the dedication of teachers, stating that their hard work is crucial in making a positive impact in classrooms throughout Fiji. She expressed optimism, encouraging collective investment in education to inspire learning and uncover new opportunities for Fiji’s youth.

Additionally, the larger English Access Microscholarship Program aims to equip talented secondary school students worldwide with foundational English language skills. This initiative has been instrumental since its inception in 2004, benefiting over 200,000 students in more than 90 countries and fostering crucial life skills.

The Access Teacher Training Workshop is a significant step toward elevating educational resources and improving teacher capabilities in Fiji. This initiative not only enhances the immediate educational landscape but also nurtures a brighter future for the nation by empowering educators who will shape the next generation of learners.

In summary, this collaboration underscores a positive commitment to education in Fiji, showing that with support from international partnerships, the potential for educational advancement is vast, promising a transformative impact for both teachers and students alike.