The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has raised concerns over a noticeable decline in student interest in education. His remarks in Parliament followed the release of the Fiji Year 8 Examination (FY8E) results, which indicated a 69 percent national pass rate for 2024, the highest in several years, but also revealed that over 6,000 of the 19,359 registered Year 8 students either failed or demonstrated weak academic performance.
Radrodro attributed these results to various systemic issues, including a lack of motivation among students, an outdated curriculum, overcrowded classrooms, and ineffective leadership within schools. He observed that many students lack foundational skills in core subjects, particularly mathematics, contributing to their academic struggles. The minister pointed out that attendance is also a challenge, with irregular school participation noted due to factors such as illness, family duties, and decreased interest in education.
Moreover, disparities were evident in the pass rates across different demographics, with iTaukei students achieving a 67 percent pass rate, Indo-Fijians at 73 percent, and Rotuman students leading with 76 percent. These differences underscore the importance of fostering engagement and relevance in the curriculum.
In addressing these challenges, the Ministry of Education plans to implement reforms, including the introduction of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs at the Year 8 and 9 levels to better align education with workforce demands. The ministry is also considering reviewing the “no-repeat” policy to prevent automatic progression for students who fail.
Radrodro emphasized collaboration among educators, parents, and communities to cultivate an environment that values education and motivates students to reach their potential. By collectively focusing on these goals, there is hope that Fiji can create a supportive learning atmosphere that ensures all children have the opportunities they need to succeed academically.
In summary, while the challenges identified by Minister Radrodro are significant, the announcements of proposed reforms show a positive direction. With community support and a focus on curriculum relevance and student engagement, there is potential for meaningful improvement in the education system, contributing to better outcomes for students across Fiji.
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