Out of the 15,000 school leavers in Fiji each year, only 30 percent proceed to higher education, a statistic highlighted by the Chair of the Higher Education Commission of Fiji, Steve Chand. Speaking at the 131st Fiji Principals Association conference in Suva, he expressed concern over the 70 percent of students who are not continuing their education and may end up unemployed, in low-paying jobs, or joining the informal sector. This alarming trend underscores significant systemic issues within the educational planning and access in the country.
Chand pointed out that there is a clear disconnect between the education system’s offerings and the labour market’s demands, which calls for urgent reforms. He advocated for targeted interventions, such as inclusive policies, flexible learning paths, and greater investments in vocational and technical education, to better align education with economic needs.
Chand emphasized the importance of collaboration among government, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue further education and develop useful skills. His remarks echo broader concerns raised about educational outcomes in Fiji, especially as previous reports have indicated an increase in school dropouts amid the implementation of a free education scheme.
The situation presents a critical opportunity for reform in Fiji’s educational landscape. By addressing these systemic gaps and fostering cooperation between various sectors, there is hope for creating an environment where more students can access higher education and thrive in the future. The community’s collective efforts will be essential in turning these challenges into opportunities for the nation’s youth.
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