Rokoua Naiyaga, a prominent figure in Fijian education, is pioneering the first comprehensive review of the Fiji Education Act of 1966, a significant step forward after nearly six decades of stagnation. As the former head of one of Fiji’s top girls’ schools and the deputy secretary for education, Naiyaga’s background has equipped her to lead this crucial initiative, which aims to modernize the educational framework to meet contemporary needs.
With the current Act failing to reflect today’s educational realities and global trends, Naiyaga emphasizes the importance of this review as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. She highlights that prior attempts to amend the Act were unsuccessful due to lack of political will, resources, and dedicated personnel. However, with Cabinet approval secured, donor funding confirmed, and a team of experts appointed, the conditions are ripe for meaningful change.
The review aims to address urgent challenges in the education sector, including outdated curriculum standards, governance issues, and the need for improved assessments. Naiyaga advocates for bringing back the practice of scaling examination marks, which was removed in 2015, to ensure fairness and comparability across different subjects and cohorts, drawing on successful strategies from other countries like the UK and Singapore.
Moreover, Naiyaga stresses the necessity for public engagement in this process. The reform must incorporate the insights of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including educators, parents, and students, to ensure it meets the diverse needs of the Fijian populace. Plans are underway for public consultations across all nine education districts, amplifying voices from the community as part of this national effort.
This initiative, bolstered by previous workshops and discussions that revealed significant gaps within the education system, is viewed with optimism. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has expressed commitment to ensuring the revised Act not only reflects contemporary educational demands but also aligns with global best practices.
With robust stakeholder involvement and a renewed focus on inclusivity, Fiji’s education system stands to benefit significantly from these reforms, promoting a brighter future for students and educators alike. This strategic overhaul represents a hopeful shift towards a more effective, equitable, and modern education system in Fiji, ready to equip future generations for the challenges ahead.
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