The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has highlighted severe economic challenges faced by over 10,000 families, arguing that the Draft Education Bill 2025 inadequately addresses the issues that hinder children’s access to education. In a submission made to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, FCOSS emphasized that despite the provision of free tuition, persistent problems such as poverty, disaster disruptions, and inadequate child protection measures continue to obstruct educational opportunities.
FCOSS program manager Josaia Tokoni acknowledged the positive aspects of the Draft Bill, such as the support for free and compulsory education, the prohibition of corporal punishment, inclusive education measures, and the establishment of an Education Advisory Council. However, he stressed that these reforms fail to address the real-life challenges faced by vulnerable families.
Community engagement officer Selai Toganivalu added that findings from collaborations with Save the Children Fiji revealed that a uniform policy regarding parental responsibilities overlooks the varying pressures that low-income families encounter. “A one-size-fits-all approach does not work,” she stated, emphasizing that extreme hardships directly impact school attendance.
Mr. Tokoni further pointed out that while education is classified as free, the hidden costs associated with it—such as transportation, uniforms, and learning materials—pose significant barriers, especially for families in rural and maritime areas. The lack of a framework in the Bill to ensure educational continuity during disasters is another significant concern raised by FCOSS, particularly given the disruptions experienced during cyclones and emergencies from 2016 to 2021.
The current Draft Education Bill also falls short of proper alignment with the Child Care and Protection Act 2024, particularly in mandatory reporting by all school personnel regarding child welfare. FCOSS is advocating for stronger protections for children with disabilities, including the legal recognition of Individualized Education Plans to foster inclusive learning environments.
To address these challenges, FCOSS has proposed seven recommendations to the committee, which include expanding the definition of vulnerable children, integrating mandatory child protection reporting, enhancing disability protections, broadening the Education Advisory Council’s membership to include civil society organizations, creating a disaster resilience framework, empowering school committees through direct grants, and providing targeted support for parents via Community Learning Centres. These measures aim to enhance the educational landscape in Fiji and ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn and thrive regardless of their circumstances.
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