Fiji’s Education Crisis: Are Students Ready for Year Nine?

Concerns are growing among parents, educators, and stakeholders in Fiji following the disappointing Year Eight Examination results, where nearly half of the 19,300 registered students did not pass. This year’s pass rate stands at 69%, a mere two percentage point increase from the previous year, leaving more than 6,000 students to progress to Year Nine without adequate knowledge.

Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, expressed his dismay, labeling the results as “close to pathetic.” He urged all involved parties, from teachers to ministry officials, to reevaluate current strategies and implement effective measures to enhance students’ academic performance in the coming year.

A significant concern raised by Mr. Manumanunitoga is the lack of parental involvement in their children’s education. He emphasized that parents must take their responsibilities seriously, as their support plays a crucial role in students’ success.

Additionally, the previous government’s controversial “no-repeat” policy has faced scrutiny. Mr. Manumanunitoga argued that advancing students without sufficient preparation is detrimental, pointing out instances of students who struggle with basic literacy even as they approach university.

Data from the Ministry of Education reveals alarming dropout rates, with over 5,700 students leaving before completing Year 10, and almost 4,600 exiting primary school prematurely between 2019 and 2023.

Another point of concern is the frequent changes in the curriculum. Mr. Manumanunitoga noted that the introduction of multiple curriculums over the past decade has caused confusion among educators. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also criticized the no-repeat policy and indicated intentions to reevaluate it, acknowledging the necessity for a more effective curriculum to combat the ongoing issue of poor exam results.

While the current situation appears challenging, it presents an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and formulate strategies aimed at improving educational outcomes for students in Fiji. Collaborative efforts among parents, teachers, and policymakers can foster a more supportive learning environment, ultimately benefiting the future generations.