Two hundred Fijian teachers are participating in the inaugural Access Teacher Training Workshop, a significant initiative funded by the United States. This workshop, which emphasizes the U.S.’s commitment to education, was launched by Stephanie Fitzmaurice, the Regional Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) Youth Wing has received a grant of US$40,000 (approximately FJD 92,000) to facilitate these workshops specifically for English teachers.

The training sessions are designed to provide literacy training based on Fiji’s new literacy curriculum for primary students, making them crucial for enhancing educational standards. They are being conducted across various training centers in regions including Suva, Rakiraki, and Nadi, ensuring broader access for educators.

Facilitators for the workshops include notable education professionals such as Dr. Doaa Rashed, an English Language Specialist from Rutgers University, along with experts from Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Australia-Fiji Program Support Facility. Fitzmaurice expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by the participating teachers, asserting that their efforts are essential for making a positive impact within classrooms across Fiji.

In a broader context, the English Access Microscholarship Program also plays a role in developing foundational English language skills for secondary school students worldwide. This program enhances students’ communication and leadership capabilities through after-school classes, aiming to create future academic and professional opportunities.

Overall, initiatives such as the Access Teacher Training Workshop are pivotal in improving the educational landscape in Fiji. They highlight a commitment to building educators’ capacities, which is vital for nurturing the next generation. Given this partnership’s promise, there is hope that it will empower both teachers and students, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes in Fiji.