The Education Committee of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is advocating for the reinstitution of disaggregated ethnic data within Fiji’s educational framework, emphasizing that its current absence hinders effective policymaking and obscures inequalities in student performance. Susana Tuisawau, a representative from the committee, made this plea while submitting feedback on the Education Bill, arguing that the legislation must explicitly mandate the collection of this data to inform how education is delivered nationwide.
Historically, student examination results and educational outcomes were extensively analyzed by ethnic background, allowing authorities to pinpoint deficiencies and develop targeted interventions. Tuisawau pointed out that previous political decisions, particularly categorizing all citizens simply as “Fijian,” have blurred the specific challenges experienced by various ethnic groups.
Tuisawau noted, “In the past, whenever we collected data at the school level or even outside in the higher education sector, the results of examinations were always clear with the ethnic groups and their achievements in these various examinations.” The lack of such detailed data now makes it increasingly challenging to identify weaknesses in educational outcomes, complicating the formulation of effective strategies to address these issues.
She also highlighted that Fiji’s Constitution guarantees equal access to quality education for all, irrespective of ethnicity, and that disaggregated data is essential for assessing whether this constitutional standard is being fulfilled. The GCC Education Committee asserts that reinstating ethnic data collection not only aligns with the protection of indigenous rights as defined by the Constitution and international conventions, including ILO Convention 169, but it also promotes cultural recognition in a country known for its diversity.
Tuisawau further emphasized the importance of precise and disaggregated data for effective policy planning, particularly in sectors such as education, health, and employment, ensuring that resources are allocated correctly to benefit the appropriate communities.
The call for disaggregated ethnic data underlines a broader commitment to enhancing educational equity in Fiji. By acknowledging and addressing the specific needs of various ethnic groups, the country can work towards a more inclusive education policy that ensures all students thrive.
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