The Ministry of Education in Fiji is undertaking a significant review of the Education Act of 1966, as announced by Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro. This initiative comes with the approval of the Cabinet, which was granted last September, and aims to modernize the existing legislation that governs the educational framework in the country.
During the inauguration of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) office in Lautoka, Mr. Radrodro highlighted the importance of aligning the Education Act with the evolving educational landscape and the various statutory bodies under the Ministry of Education. He emphasized that the Act needs to incorporate essential topics like digital literacy, which are currently absent, to prepare Fiji’s education system for the future.
To facilitate this review, the Ministry plans to establish a committee led by a highly qualified commissioner on a short-term, four-month contract. This role is crucial for spearheading the review process and ensuring that it addresses current educational gaps and issues.
Furthermore, Mr. Radrodro indicated that starting next year, the age requirement for children enrolling in Class One will be set at five years. This change aims to acknowledge the reality that many children currently begin Early Childhood Education at the age of four, yet the existing Act does not recognize this stage due to its limitations.
This review not only represents a critical step toward enhancing Fiji’s educational framework but also reflects a broader commitment to fostering an adaptive and responsive education system that meets the needs of students and the community. The establishment of a review committee signifies an intentional approach to confronting educational challenges, thereby paving the way for innovative solutions in the years ahead.
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