The government has revealed a concerning trend regarding student dropouts between 2019 and 2023, despite the implementation of a free education policy. This has led the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, along with teachers’ unions and the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, to urge parents, guardians, and community stakeholders to prioritize education in the nation.
During a parliamentary session, Mr. Radrodro reported that 5,726 students did not finish Year 10 over the four-year span, which averages to approximately 1,431 dropouts each year. The data from the Ministry’s Fiji Education Management Information System Database (FEMIS) also showed that 4,589 primary school students were not registered during this timeframe.
Although specific reasons for the dropouts are not thoroughly documented, Mr. Radrodro noted factors such as deaths, migration, transfers to private schools, and health issues as cited reasons.
To combat this situation, the Ministry has been collaborating with school leaders to conduct home visits and offer counseling to students deemed “at risk” to motivate them to continue their education. Nonetheless, challenges such as family instability, migration, and entry into the workforce have been recognized as significant contributors to the increased dropout rates.
In addressing the issue, Mr. Radrodro emphasized the necessity of a joint effort among government bodies, non-profit organizations, religious groups, and families.
To tackle these challenges, the Ministry has implemented several initiatives, including:
– Alternative pathways such as Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
– Implementation of a Special Inclusive Education Grant (SIEG) for all eligible schoolchildren.
– Transport assistance for students.
– Provision of textbooks to ease financial pressures.
– Opportunities for extra-curricular activities, including sports, cadet training, and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The situation has sparked strong reactions from educational and religious organizations. Fiji Teacher’s Union general secretary Muniappa Goundar and the Fijian Teachers Association president Paula Manumanunitoga have consistently advocated for prompt action to safeguard the future of Fiji.
Reverend Simione Tugi, general secretary of the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, voiced his concerns, emphasizing the necessity of educating children to prepare them for leadership roles. He warned that neglecting education could lead to increased youth crime rates, stressing the importance of keeping children in school.
Highlighting the importance of family support, Reverend Tugi pointed out that strengthening family bonds is critical. He urged parents to be more engaged with their children’s lives, emphasizing, “Parents need to ensure that children attend school, as the government provides free school fees and transport.”