Fiji Faces Teacher Exodus and Crowded Classrooms as Restorative Discipline Gains Ground

The Fiji Principals Association is bringing attention to significant challenges in the education sector, highlighting teacher resignations, crowded classrooms, and ineffective discipline policies. At their annual conference in Nadi, the association’s President, Vishnu Deo Sharma, urged collaborative efforts between the government and schools to address these pressing issues.

This year alone, 343 teachers have left their positions, primarily seeking higher wages abroad. With teachers comparing their earnings not only to those in Australia and New Zealand but also to those in neighboring Pacific countries and the private sector, the association is pressing for government intervention to mitigate this “brain drain.” Improving teacher remuneration is seen as a core factor in retaining teaching professionals.

Besides remuneration, Sharma is advocating for reforms in disciplinary policies. The current punitive discipline measures are deemed ineffective, and there is a call to adopt strategies that cultivate respect and resilience among students. Sharma emphasized the need to move towards restorative practices, which focus on building relationships and encouraging self-reflection, empowering students to make better choices.

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro echoed these sentiments, underscoring that discipline should foster a safe and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and are encouraged to express themselves. He called on school leaders to develop inclusive cultures that celebrate diversity and ensure safe, supportive school environments.

The conference underscored the necessity of creating educational settings that are both nurturing and empowering for students and educators. By implementing restorative discipline practices and addressing teacher compensation, the association hopes to foster a more stable and effective educational landscape in Fiji. This collective effort reflects a determination to ensure the educational sector not only withstands current challenges but thrives, benefiting students and educators alike.