The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has expressed concern over the declining interest in education among students in Fiji, as evidenced by the recent Year 8 Examination results. In Parliament, he reported a 69 percent pass rate for this year’s Fiji Year 8 Examination (FY8E), indicating that over 6,000 students failed yet will progress to Year 9.
Despite the pass rate showing some improvement compared to previous years, the data illustrates inconsistencies, with a notable dip to 62 percent in 2022 and a recovery in 2023 to 67 percent. Radrodro pointed out that systemic issues are to blame for the lack of student engagement, including outdated curriculums, overcrowded classrooms, and ineffective leadership within schools.
He noted a marked lack of motivation among students, which has resulted in weak academic preparedness, particularly in mathematics and literacy. Additionally, issues such as behavioral problems, disciplinary concerns, and irregular attendance have been highlighted as significant factors contributing to students’ academic difficulties. Rural areas are disproportionately affected, with rural schools reporting a pass rate of only 63 percent compared to 70 percent in urban schools.
The Minister also drew attention to ethnic disparities in academic performance, with iTaukei students achieving a 67 percent pass rate, Indo-Fijians 73 percent, and Rotuman students leading with 76 percent. These variations hint at broader engagement and relevance issues within the educational system.
To address these challenges, Radrodro outlined several key areas in need of reform. Proposed changes include the introduction of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs for Year 8 and Year 9 students and a review of the controversial “no-repeat” policy, which allows students who fail to automatically advance to the next grade. There is also a pressing need for revisions to the curriculum, particularly in mathematics, where the national pass rate is alarmingly low at only 41 percent.
Moreover, the Minister emphasized the importance of community involvement in education, urging collaboration among teachers, parents, community leaders, and religious organizations to create an environment that encourages student success.
Overall, while the challenges facing Fiji’s educational sector are significant, the government’s commitment to reform and community engagement offers hope for a future where students find renewed motivation and success in their academic pursuits. By fostering a collaborative approach and addressing systemic flaws, there is potential for meaningful improvement in the educational landscape of Fiji.
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