Frequent changes to education policies and curriculum in Fiji have been ineffective in reversing the ongoing decline in academic standards, according to Petero Delasau, a veteran teacher with 33 years of experience. He raised these concerns while addressing the Standing Committee on Social Affairs and Justice during a consultation on the Education Bill at Namosi Hall.
Mr. Delasau asserted that successive government attempts to modernize education have not led to improvements; rather, they have coincided with a breakdown in discipline and respect within schools. He highlighted a noticeable decline in the respect that students show towards teachers over the years, noting that during his tenure, students of diverse backgrounds were uniformly disciplined, which helped foster lasting respect from past students.
Reflecting on his experiences, he pointed out troubling changes in the dynamics of the school environment, explaining that the distinction between teachers and students has become blurred. He reminisced about a time when students would yield to teachers out of respect, a practice he claimed has become increasingly rare. During a recent visit to a school he manages in Veivatuloa, he observed teachers struggling to maintain discipline without resorting to corporal punishment, while some students displayed disruptive behaviors such as making paper gliders during lessons.
Mr. Delasau emphasized that the decline in academic standards is rooted not in the curriculum itself but in a broader attitude problem within the education system. He warned that without addressing these underlying issues, merely changing the curriculum will not yield the desired results.
He also praised the high level of English language proficiency in Fiji, attributing it to the colonial-era education system, which emphasized quality during his schooling years. To enact meaningful changes, he proposed that significant education policy reforms should require input from the public through a referendum rather than being unilaterally decided by the education minister.
This thoughtful critique from an experienced educator sheds light on the complexities facing Fiji’s education system and suggests a need for a comprehensive review of both attitudes and policies to foster a more conducive learning environment. Encouraging greater involvement from the community in educational reforms could pave the way for a brighter educational future in Fiji.
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