Two hundred teachers in Fiji are set to benefit from the inaugural Access Teacher Training Workshop, an initiative funded by the United States. Stephanie Fitzmaurice, Regional Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy, emphasized during the workshop’s launch the U.S. commitment to strengthening education and empowering teachers. The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) Youth Wing received a grant of US$40,000 (FJD 92,000) to organize this significant event, which focuses on literacy training aligned with Fiji’s new literacy curriculum for primary education.

The training sessions, hosted in various centres across Suva, Rakiraki, and Nadi, aim to enhance the skills of English teachers and promote accessibility for educators throughout the region. Notable facilitators involved in the workshops include Dr. Doaa Rashed, an English Language Specialist from Rutgers University, along with distinguished experts from Fiji’s Ministry of Education and the Australia-Fiji Program Support Facility.

Fitzmaurice praised the hard work and commitment of the teachers, stating, “Your dedication is making a tangible difference in classrooms across Fiji. Together, let us continue to invest in education, inspire learning, and unlock new possibilities for Fiji’s youth.”

The Access Microscholarship Program, a broader initiative, aims to provide foundational English language skills to gifted secondary school students globally. Through after-school classes, this program enhances essential communication and leadership skills, ensuring students are well-equipped for future opportunities.

This workshop marks a positive step in enhancing educational resources and teacher capabilities in Fiji, reinforcing the importance of quality education as a pathway towards societal growth and individual empowerment. With initiatives like these, there is hope for fostering a better educational environment that can significantly impact the lives of students and teachers alike.