Recent information from the Ministry of Education indicates that there are currently 580 unfilled teacher positions in primary schools across the country, according to Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association. He expressed that many teachers are leaving for overseas opportunities that offer better salaries and working conditions.
Manumanunitoga mentioned that a meeting with the Minister of Finance two months ago did not lead to any meaningful understanding of their challenges. He emphasized, “There’s a severe teacher shortage in this country. This is the data we received from the ministry, confirming that we have 580 vacancies at the primary level.”
With approximately 736 primary schools operating in Fiji, each is reportedly short by two to three teachers. The Fiji Times reported last year that there were 172,023 students enrolled across these primary schools, with 6,231 teacher positions filled and 184 vacant. The situation is similarly critical in secondary education, where 176 secondary schools have 610 vacancies, and 64 classroom teacher positions remain unfilled due to mismatches between the subjects taught and graduates’ qualifications.
Manumanunitoga stressed that it is the responsibility of the Government to address this pressing issue. He voiced concern over reports that teacher trainees are being asked to fill teaching roles, stating, “This is illegal.”
Regarding secondary education, he noted there are 138 secondary schools in Fiji, with continual requests from school leaders for additional teachers. He highlighted a particularly acute shortage of math teachers.