Early childhood education in Fiji has taken a significant step forward as teachers now work full eight-hour days. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced in Parliament that all kindergarten teachers will receive full-day pay, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing early childhood education.
Radrodro emphasized the importance of these extended hours, stating they provide educators the opportunity to adequately prepare lessons and utilize a comprehensive curriculum designed for full-day learning. He has called upon school heads to monitor compliance with this new initiative, ensuring that teachers are accountable for the additional hours of learning.
This adjustment from half-day to full-day programs is expected to provide more enriching, play-based learning experiences for nearly 18,325 pre-primary students, which supports their social, emotional, and cognitive development while reducing passive screen time. By enabling children to stay in a structured school environment, this initiative aims to bridge opportunity gaps for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Radrodro noted that many parents have voiced their appreciation for this change, as it allows them to seek employment or manage daily tasks while their children receive supervised education. The extended program also streamlines pickup times for families with multiple children, including those in primary school.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with globally recognized educational standards and contributes to the goals set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly target 4.2, aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality education.
This development follows previous discussions surrounding the transition to full-day classes amid concerns about overcrowding and facility readiness, particularly in some schools that have not yet made the shift. However, the overarching goal remains to create a nurturing and accessible educational environment that can adapt to the needs of all students.
The positive feedback from parents and the community, alongside the government’s commitment to education funding and teacher welfare, signals a hopeful trajectory for early childhood education in Fiji, positively impacting future generations.
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