Fiji Principals Push for Bigger Free Education Grants Amid Autonomy Reforms

The Fiji Principals Association is advocating for an increase in the free education grant allocation for schools across the nation. The association’s President, Vishnu Deo Sharma, acknowledged the coalition government’s efforts in maintaining the free education grant, emphasizing its crucial role in ensuring educational access nationwide. However, Sharma pointed out that the per-student grant allocation has not changed since 2014, hindering schools’ financial capacity to address the rising costs of educational needs effectively.

Sharma expressed concern that the stagnant allocation has limited schools’ spending power, adversely affecting their ability to fulfill teaching and learning demands. This call for increased funding comes amid a backdrop of recent government reforms. Notably, the government introduced changes to the education sector, granting schools greater autonomy in managing their funds. Schools now have the flexibility to save, borrow, or utilize the grant according to their priorities, allowing them to address specific needs more effectively.

Despite these advancements, Sharma highlighted the need for an increase in the grant to better reflect the current economic climate. Moreover, he urged for enhanced awareness among stakeholders about the usage of the grant. This push for increased funding aligns with broader educational reforms in Fiji that aim to decentralize financial decision-making, thus empowering school leaders to adapt to local conditions while maintaining accountability.

These initiatives are part of a government strategy to enhance the education system by providing substantial financial backing and empowering schools with decision-making capabilities. The government has also been actively supporting educational infrastructure and scholarship programs, which are central in nurturing future generations. With these endeavors, there is a hopeful trajectory toward strengthening Fiji’s educational landscape, ultimately contributing to a more robust and inclusive learning environment.