Fiji is intensifying its initiatives to integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into its education system, aiming to equip students with crucial digital skills necessary for success in today’s workforce. Deputy Secretary for Education, Timoci Bure, emphasized the significance of fostering digital literacy while ensuring that schools fully adopt technological advancements.
An encouraging statistic from a recent survey of 1,036 students—comprising 787 from primary schools and 249 from secondary institutions—indicated that 96% of participants recognize the importance of ICT skills. These skills include essential computer functions, effective information access, and safe utilization of digital devices.
Despite these promising signs, challenges remain. Issues such as gaps in technology access, insufficient infrastructure, and the need for better teacher training and digital learning resources have been identified. The Ministry of Education is addressing these shortcomings through its ICT in Education policy.
Sanjaya Mishra, a representative from Commonwealth Learning, stressed the importance of open dialogue among educators, policymakers, and communities, courting a collaborative approach to implement best practices. He stated, “A policy is merely a document without a demonstrable action plan.”
Currently, a national consultation workshop is underway, engaging key stakeholders in refining strategies to enhance technology use in classrooms. This initiative aligns with similar efforts aimed at improving digital literacy across Fiji, such as the proposed standalone digital literacy curriculum aimed at bridging existing gaps identified in previous digital and financial literacy surveys.
These efforts represent a significant step towards empowering Fiji’s youth with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By investing in educational reforms and fostering community collaboration, Fiji hopes to cultivate a generation of students who are not only digitally savvy but also prepared to contribute positively to both local and global economies.
This transformative push in education offers a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s future, with the potential to create a digitally literate society capable of navigating the complexities of the modern workforce.
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