Bula
The lead story in The Fiji Times for Friday, August 30 focuses on the pressing issues in education. The country is grappling with a significant challenge as teachers are reportedly leaving the profession in large numbers, coinciding with a decline in the literacy rate. There are currently 580 vacancies for teachers in primary schools across the nation, and the number of children entering high school without the ability to read is on the rise.
The situation is dire, and the second story highlights that Westpac may revise its growth forecast for Fiji in 2024 due to stronger than anticipated tourism growth. During a media conference in Suva, a senior economist from Westpac noted that tourist numbers are significantly higher than expected and feedback from clients is quite positive.
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The educational challenges are underscored by the Fijian Teachers Association, which reports on the alarming number of teacher vacancies and the exodus of educators. There are serious concerns regarding declining literacy levels, with many students entering high school unable to read.
FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga emphasizes that harsh conditions, such as stress, burnout, low salaries, and challenging student behavior, are pushing teachers to their limits. The alarming trend of primary students who lack reading skills is a point of significant concern, leading to claims that it is an embarrassment for the nation.
Manumanunitoga also attributes part of the problem to an overreliance on artificial intelligence, which he believes hampers children’s ability to think critically. He asserts that literacy and numeracy rates were much higher before the FijiFirst government took power, highlighting that Fiji has fallen behind other Pacific nations in these key educational metrics.
The exodus of teachers is partly due to the search for better pay and working conditions abroad. Manumanunitoga connects low literacy rates to the absence of parental involvement and lack of engagement from families.
This critical educational situation requires immediate attention. The migration of teachers signals a growing crisis that needs to be addressed. While acknowledging these significant challenges, there is a call to action for government officials to focus on remedying the teacher shortage, improving working conditions, and enhancing literacy in schools, alongside fostering parental engagement.
Education is vital for national development, and decisive action must be taken to elevate educational standards. A unified effort is essential to confront these challenges head-on.