This week marks the beginning of the Fiji Eighth Year Examination for approximately 19,359 Year 8 students. Acting Minister for Education, Alitia Bainivalu, took to social media to wish the students well, encouraging parents to support their children as they prepare for their exams. She emphasized that these assessments are not just evaluations of knowledge, but also reflections of the students’ hard work and commitment.
Bainivalu described the exams as crucial milestones in the students’ educational journeys. She encouraged them to trust their preparation, maintain focus, and face challenges with resilience. It is a time for the community to rally around the education system.
Parents and guardians are urged to support their children during this critical time, helping them to stay focused and approach their studies with confidence. It is vital to remind students of the opportunities a good education can bring for their future and to inspire them to strive for excellence.
The importance of parental involvement in education was highlighted in the 2011 United Nations Education For All Global Monitoring Report, which noted that the linguistic, cognitive, and social skills learned in early education lay the groundwork for future learning and success. The report underscored the necessity of ensuring that children stay in school once they are of age.
Exams serve as a reflective period for students to assess their understanding of the material taught in school. While not every student will excel academically, it is essential that they embrace the opportunity to improve and nurture a commitment to their studies.
As the exam season progresses, it is important to convey that these tests represent important steps on their educational paths. Every effort made is a contribution toward their future. Let’s ensure the students understand that they have our support and belief in their potential. Wishing all students across the nation the best of luck during this challenging time.