The Ministry of Education is focused on addressing the ongoing shortage of teachers, particularly the more than 500 vacant positions in Fiji’s primary schools. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged this as a significant issue, emphasizing that the ministry cannot prevent individuals from seeking better opportunities elsewhere, both internationally and domestically.
Radrodro highlighted that the current number of vacant primary school teacher positions stands at 580. He noted that the ministry has implemented measures to mitigate the loss of teaching staff. As part of these efforts, they are recruiting secondary school teachers to fill roles in primary education and providing necessary training for those willing to transition into primary teaching.
The ministry is also collaborating with the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Scheme (TSLS) to improve the recruitment of teachers from training institutions. In addition to addressing the overall shortage of teachers, the ministry is particularly focused on enhancing resources in key subjects like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Radrodro stated there is a significant demand for STEM educators, and efforts are underway to direct new teacher recruits towards these vital areas.