The momentum is growing for a significant overhaul of Fiji’s outdated Education Act, driven by urgent calls for reforms that address the realities of modern classrooms and the diverse needs of students. At a recent public consultation held in Nadi, educators and students articulated a clear demand for changes particularly focused on enhancing vocational training and providing mental health support.
Avit Kumar, a teacher from Korovuto College, emphasized that the existing education system often fails students, particularly those not intending to attend university. He highlighted the necessity for stronger vocational education pathways to accommodate and support various career options beyond traditional academic routes. This aligns with similar sentiments expressed by Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro regarding the detrimental effects of the policy that allows students to advance without achieving necessary academic standards, perpetuating a cycle of mediocrity.
Kumar also called for increased community engagement in education, urging parents, alumni, and local leaders to take a more active role in enhancing school environments and learning experiences.
Additionally, Korovuto College’s Head Boy, Viliame Tuidraki, made a compelling plea for mental health to be a central component of the education review. He advocated for mandatory access to professional counseling services in all primary and secondary schools, alongside integrating mental health education into the curriculum and establishing clear protocols for managing bullying and trauma.
The Nadi consultation has emerged as a vital platform for these grassroots voices to directly converse with policymakers, highlighting a collective desire for educational transformation in Fiji.
Amidst the broader challenges confronting Fiji’s educational landscape, including a concerning rise in youth disengagement linked to issues such as drugs and crime, the discussions reflect a unified commitment to inspire a generation of motivated learners. This atmosphere of collaboration between teachers, parents, and community members presents a hopeful avenue for effecting meaningful change, ensuring that Fiji’s future leaders not only receive quality education but also the necessary support to thrive.
Through comprehensive reforms and community involvement, there exists a promising future for Fiji’s education system, transforming it into an inclusive environment that nurtures every student’s potential. The collective responsibility of stakeholders in this endeavor holds the key to uplifting educational standards and empowering the youth for a brighter tomorrow.
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