Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced that the 2025-26 National Budget of Fiji will significantly enhance the education system, prioritizing student engagement and attendance with a substantial allocation of $847 million. This budget will support the recruitment of 1,125 new teachers across various educational sectors, including early childhood, primary, secondary, and special education.
A key feature of the budget is the commitment to paying Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers full-time wages, a move that Radrodro notes will contribute positively to teacher retention and encourage more ECE professionals to remain in the sector. “For ECE, I’m happy that now we’ll be able to pay them full eight hours,” he stated, highlighting the importance of financial support for educators.
Moreover, the budget introduces flexibility for schools regarding the allocation of the free education grant, allowing school management committees to determine how funds are utilized based on their specific needs. Radrodro emphasized that while schools will now have the ability to fundraise, the ministry will ensure that all fundraising activities are conducted transparently and appropriately monitored.
These developments align closely with the government’s ongoing commitment to education, further emphasized in previous announcements, such as the introduction of higher salaries for teachers and significant investment in educational infrastructure. In a past statement, Radrodro indicated that investing in the teaching workforce and physical school environments is essential for addressing ongoing challenges, including high failure rates in examinations and teacher shortages.
There is optimism that these measures will foster a well-rounded educational environment, making a meaningful impact on Fiji’s future generations. By focusing not just on surplus funding but also on teacher welfare, the initiatives suggest a progressive approach in strengthening the country’s educational landscape, creating a promising future for both educators and students.
This renewed commitment to education represents a hopeful trajectory towards strengthening the nation’s workforce and upholding education as a cornerstone for national development.
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