The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) has expressed strong opposition to the Ministry of Education’s proposal to charge student school fees. FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar argued that this initiative would negate the objective of compulsory education for all students.
“It will defeat the right of a child to quality education,” Goundar stated.
He acknowledged the challenges stemming from the rural-to-urban migration of students and proposed several solutions to address this issue.
Goundar suggested enhancing rural education infrastructure by investing in buildings and upgrading schools in these areas, to create a conducive learning environment for rural students.
Improving teacher incentives was another key strategy proposed by Goundar. He emphasized the need for higher pay, housing allowances, and career advancement opportunities for teachers in rural schools.
“Teachers should be given priority in rural areas,” he said.
Goundar also highlighted the importance of advancing technology in rural schools to engage students. “Rural schools must have access to modern technology and internet facilities,” he reiterated.
He stressed the necessity for the ministry to craft a quality curriculum and distribute quality educational materials to rural schools, ensuring they offer the same standard of education as urban schools.
“The ministry must distribute quality educational materials and resources to rural schools,” Goundar said.
Community engagement programmes were also identified as crucial in reducing migration from rural areas. Goundar advocated for programmes that involve parents and community leaders in the education process to foster a supportive environment for students.
Furthermore, Goundar recommended awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of rural education and local opportunities. He also called for the monitoring and evaluation of rural education initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and to make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.
Efforts to reach Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) general secretary Paula Manumanuitoga for comments were unsuccessful.