The Ministry of Education in Fiji is committed to addressing the ongoing issue of teacher shortages, particularly the more than 580 vacant positions in primary schools. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, noting that the ministry cannot prevent individuals from seeking better job opportunities both locally and abroad.
Radrodro emphasized that the ministry is actively working to fill these positions and has implemented strategies to mitigate the loss of teaching staff. In response to the shortage, the ministry is recruiting secondary school teachers to teach in primary schools and providing necessary training for those willing to transition into primary education.
Additionally, Radrodro highlighted plans to collaborate with the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Scheme (TSLS) to enhance the recruitment of teachers from training institutions. The ministry is not only focused on filling primary school vacancies but is also prioritizing key subjects, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
“He acknowledged the increased demand for teachers in STEM areas, including physics, and reaffirmed their efforts to recruit new teachers with a focus on these critical subjects.