Two hundred educators in Fiji are set to enhance their teaching skills through the inaugural Access Teacher Training Workshop, funded by the United States. The program was launched by Stephanie Fitzmaurice, the Regional Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy, who highlighted the initiative’s importance in bolstering education and empowering teachers in Fiji.

The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has received a significant grant of US$40,000 (approximately FJD 92,000) to conduct these workshops specifically for English teachers. The sessions will focus on literacy training aligned with Fiji’s new primary school literacy curriculum. Training is accessible to educators across Suva, Rakiraki, and Nadi, ensuring a broad reach within the education community.

Facilitators for the workshop include esteemed experts such as Dr. Doaa Rashed, an English Language Specialist from Rutgers University, alongside Setareki Delana of Fiji’s Ministry of Education and Torika Jitoko from the Australia-Fiji Program Support Facility. Fitzmaurice praised the commitment of teachers, affirming that their dedication significantly impacts student learning and inspires future generations.

Through programs like the English Access Microscholarship Program, which provides foundational English skills to secondary school students globally, the U.S. continues to support educational advancement. Since its launch in 2004, this initiative has impacted over 200,000 students across 90 countries, nurturing essential skills that open doors to future educational and professional opportunities.

This commitment by the U.S. government to educational support not only benefits the immediate participants of the workshops but also contributes to the long-term development of the educational framework in Fiji, fostering a brighter future for its youth. The initiative stands as a hopeful testament to the power of international partnerships and investment in education, promising improved learning outcomes for students across the nation.