The Ministry of Education in Fiji reported receiving a staggering total of 28,991 complaints in 2024, as revealed in a recent session of Parliament. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro provided a breakdown of these complaints when questioned by MPs about the specific issues faced within the education sector.
A significant portion of the complaints, 10,599, were related to transportation difficulties, with the Lautoka-Nadi-Yasawa region accounting for a large portion of these at 10,265 complaints. Other complaints included 196 concerning teacher availability and 381 related to student issues, while 12,154 fell under the category of “any other complaints.”
In response to this pressing situation, Minister Radrodro assured that the Ministry aims to closely monitor customer complaints across the nine districts. He committed to establishing clear timelines for responses, promising a maximum response time of five business days for all queries. Regular follow-ups will be conducted to ensure resolutions are satisfactory and to gather feedback regarding service quality.
This proactive plan follows a burgeoning need within the community for improved educational support, particularly around transportation issues that have previously been highlighted. Similar circumstances were reflected in complaints surrounding Natusara Primary School in Kadavu, where local discussions noted disruption in services affecting students’ ability to commute to school.
The Ministry’s focus on timely responses and resolution of complaints aims to foster a collaborative approach to tackling challenges in the education sector, ultimately creating a more supportive environment for both students and educators in Fiji. The distinct commitment to transparency and engagement with community stakeholders, paired with effective logistic strategies, provides a hopeful outlook for the future of education in the region.
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