Two hundred teachers in Fiji are set to gain valuable skills through the inaugural Access Teacher Training Workshop, which has been made possible by funding from the United States. The U.S. Embassy’s Regional Public Affairs Officer, Stephanie Fitzmaurice, launched the workshop, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to enhancing education and empowering teachers in Fiji.
The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) Youth Wing was awarded a grant of US$40,000 (approximately FJD 92,000) to facilitate these workshops aimed specifically at English teachers. The sessions are structured to focus on literacy training tailored to Fiji’s new literacy curriculum for primary schools, ensuring relevance and adaptability for educators across the country.
Training locations span across Suva, Rakiraki, and Nadi, providing educators with broad access to professional development opportunities. Notable facilitators include Dr. Doaa Rashed, an English Language Specialist from Rutgers University; Setareki Delana, a Senior Curriculum Specialist from Fiji’s Ministry of Education; and Torika Jitoko, a Literacy & Numeracy Coach with the Australia-Fiji Program Support Facility.
During the workshop launch, Fitzmaurice expressed her admiration for the teachers’ dedication, stating, “Your hard work and dedication are 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 broader context includes the English Access Microscholarship Program, which aims to equip talented secondary school students worldwide with foundational English language skills. Since its start in 2004, this program has positively impacted over 200,000 students across more than 90 countries, preparing them for future academic and career opportunities.
This initiative showcases a strong commitment to improving educational standards and professional development for teachers in Fiji, and serves as a promising step towards achieving better educational outcomes for students. By investing in educators, the foundation is being laid for a brighter future in Fiji’s educational landscape, fostering a culture of learning, growth, and opportunity for the next generation.
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