A recent report from the government has revealed a concerning number of students who have dropped out of school between 2019 and 2023, despite the implementation of a free education scheme. This has led to urgent appeals from the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, along with teachers’ unions and the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, urging parents, guardians, and stakeholders to prioritize education in Fiji.
During a parliamentary session, Mr. Radrodro announced that a total of 5,726 students did not complete Year 10 in the four-year span, which translates to an alarming average of 1,431 dropouts each year. Additionally, the Ministry’s Fiji Education Management Information System Database (FEMIS) indicated that 4,589 primary school students were not registered in schools during this timeframe.
Although specific reasons for these dropouts were not fully documented, Mr. Radrodro noted that some identified reasons included deaths, migration, transfers from public to private schools, and medical issues.
In response, the Ministry has been collaborating with school leaders to conduct home visits and offer counseling to at-risk students, encouraging them to remain in school. However, they have identified several factors contributing to the increase in dropout rates, including family breakdowns, migration, and early entry into the workforce. Mr. Radrodro emphasized the need for a united effort from government bodies, civil organizations, religious groups, and families to tackle this pressing issue.
To mitigate the rising dropout rates, the Ministry has initiated a range of measures, such as alternative pathways through Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and micro-skills training, the Special Inclusive Education Grant for eligible school-age children, transport assistance for students, provision of textbooks to ease financial burdens, and access to extracurricular activities, including sports and training programs.
The situation has elicited strong reactions from educational and religious communities. Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teacher’s Union, and Paula Manumanunitoga, also from the Fijian Teachers Association, have been vocal about the immediate need for intervention to secure the future of Fiji.
Reverend Simione Tugi, general secretary of the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, expressed his concerns, emphasizing that these children represent the future of the nation. He warned that if the current trends continue, there may be an increase in youth crime rates and stressed the importance of keeping children in school.
He further highlighted the critical role of families in addressing this issue, urging parents to spend more time with their children and be attentive to their needs. Reverend Tugi encouraged parents to take action, strengthen their family connections, and ensure that their children are enrolled in school to foster a brighter future for Fiji.