The Ministry of Education in Fiji has expressed serious concerns regarding a troubling trend of increasing school dropout rates, particularly among iTaukei boys, before reaching secondary education levels. During a recent national education forum, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro highlighted that over the past five years, the transition of male students from primary to secondary school has sharply declined. The figures from 2019 to 2023 indicate that more than 4,500 students left the school system before finishing primary education, while another 5,700 discontinued their education before completing Year 10.
Despite government initiatives aimed at providing support, including free textbooks and transport assistance, the rate of dropouts remains concerning. Minister Radrodro emphasized the need for collective efforts to address this issue, noting that the factors leading to dropout rates may extend beyond traditional academic challenges. Muniappa Goundar, president of the Fiji Teachers Union, pointed out that many boys lose interest in education and may turn towards informal employment, drugs, or disruptive lifestyles, presenting challenges of a social and cultural nature.
To combat this trend, Goundar suggested the need for a more flexible educational framework, including the potential introduction of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs at lower secondary levels. This could allow students to explore skills training, sports, and practical subjects, which could further engage them in the educational process. Goundar remarked, “If we engage them through skills training … we might shift this trend.”
Additionally, concerns regarding the reliability of the data were raised by Paula Manumanunitoga, president of the Fijian Teachers Association. He cautioned against relying solely on limited datasets, referencing a recent study of only around 30 schools in Suva.
Overall, the collective call from educational leaders stresses the need for families, government entities, and the broader community to act decisively to safeguard the future of Fiji’s children.
In light of these challenges, there is hope that a united approach could lead to meaningful changes in educational policy and practices. Engaging students through multifaceted educational opportunities and robust family support can potentially reverse the worrying dropout trends and pave the way for a brighter future in Fiji.
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