In 2023, over 1,000 Year 8 students in Fiji dropped out of school, marking a significant increase in dropout rates compared to previous years. Opposition MP Hem Chand highlighted this alarming trend during a parliamentary session, emphasizing the need for urgent action from the Ministry of Education. Chand pointed out that this increase indicates deeper issues within the education system, especially considering the substantial investment made in education through the free education initiative led by the Bainimarama government in 2014.
The statistics show a staggering 34 percent rise in dropouts, with the total number climbing from 755 in 2022 to 1,162 in 2023. Mr. Chand called on the government to prioritize understanding the root causes of this spike, such as transportation challenges and the concerning rise of drug-related incidents among students. He warned that failing to address this crisis could lead to higher rates of youth crime, as many teenagers who should be in school are seen begging on the streets instead.
Chand has urged the government to innovate strategies to engage and support students better, stressing that each child represents the future of Fiji and deserves the opportunity to receive an education. He expressed hope that through collaborative efforts involving educators, parents, and the community, concrete solutions can be developed to tackle this pressing issue effectively.
This situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for policymakers to reassess educational strategies. By focusing on improvements and increased support for students, there is potential for reversing this troubling trend and ensuring that no child is left behind in their educational journey.
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