The Ministry of Education in Fiji has initiated a fast-track recruitment strategy to address the ongoing teacher shortage, particularly in secondary schools. As highlighted by Permanent Secretary Ratu Meli Nacuva during a recent session with the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense, the approach involves directly recruiting potential teachers from high schools and training them for classroom roles. This strategy aims to swiftly fill vacancies in the education sector amid a significant decline in teacher numbers.
Nacuva stated, “We’re trying to be proactive now by actually going to the high schools, where we pick our teachers and then train them,” acknowledging the need to balance rapid recruitment with proper educational grooming. This sentiment echoes concerns raised about the potential compromise of teacher training quality when fast-tracking individuals into teaching roles.
Additionally, Education Ministry Data Manager Rubina Ravasua mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance teacher welfare, retention strategies, and salary reviews as part of a comprehensive initiative. Although it is challenging for Fiji to compete with higher salaries offered in developed nations, the ministry is implementing various incentives aimed at improving teacher retention.
Ravasua noted that teacher exits peaked at around 1,896 in 2023, but the numbers have shown signs of improvement with a decline in recent years. Furthermore, despite the fluctuations in teacher retention, the Ministry has reassured the public that there are currently enough teachers across all schools in Fiji.
This proactive approach by the Ministry signifies a commitment to not just addressing teacher shortages but also ensuring that quality education is maintained, providing hope for the future of students across the nation. Building a robust teacher workforce is crucial for enhancing educational outcomes, and these initiatives are steps toward fostering a more skilled and dedicated educational community in Fiji.
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