Public schools in Fiji are struggling to provide students with vital digital literacy skills, leaving them unprepared to effectively engage with technology and vulnerable to misinformation. Temesia Tuicaumia, a fashion designer and educator, highlighted this concern during a panel discussion titled ‘Digital Veiwekani: Fighting Fake News Together,’ hosted by the German Embassy. He noted the absence of a robust digital literacy curriculum in public schools, which fails to equip students with the necessary skills for the digital age.
To bridge this gap, Tuicaumia has introduced a digital literacy curriculum at his private school in Tamavua, developed by Excel, a program from Minnesota, USA. This initiative has notably enhanced his students’ understanding and use of technology. In an effort to reach a wider audience, Tuicaumia is utilizing media platforms to deliver digital literacy programs, particularly targeting children and parents lacking access to formal educational resources.
Moreover, Tuicaumia is collaborating with the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection to dispel culturally ingrained misinformation that can harm parenting and child development. For instance, he mentioned the common misconception that drinking kava during pregnancy is beneficial for babies, which is not true and potentially harmful.
There is a pressing need for stronger collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society to cultivate a nationwide digital literacy initiative, especially given the alarming rise in online misinformation. Historical context reveals that similar concerns have been addressed by the Deputy Secretary for Education, Timoci Bure, who has emphasized the significance of incorporating Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into the education system to benefit students in Fiji. Ongoing discussions and initiatives within this context underline a collective commitment to foster a digitally competent generation.
These efforts represent an optimistic step toward a future where Fiji’s youth can navigate the complexities of a technology-driven world, thereby contributing positively to local and global communities. As the nation continues to advance its educational reforms, there is hope that the integration of digital literacy into the school curriculum will diminish misinformation and empower students with the skills necessary for the modern workforce.
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