The School Management Association of Fiji remains in a difficult position within the country’s education sector. During the organization’s biennial conference, President Govind Singh expressed concerns about the lack of proper accommodation for their role in education management. He noted that the association previously facilitated programs for school management committees that focused on key areas such as budgeting, financial management, resource allocation, and governance. Unfortunately, these initiatives were halted in 2014 under the previous administration.
Despite a change in government in 2022, Singh pointed out that the association continues to face challenges as a key stakeholder, often being excluded from important discussions and decisions. He highlighted the contentious School Management Handbook, which has been imposed on them without consultation.
Although the association has held discussions with the Minister for Education and other officials, Singh emphasized that they will continue to advocate for their rights and resist unilateral implementations that conflict with their values and principles.
The challenges faced by the School Management Association of Fiji underline the importance of dialogue and collaboration in the education sector. Moving forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to create a more inclusive and effective educational environment that benefits both students and educators.
In summary, while the School Management Association encounters ongoing challenges in advocating for their role in Fiji’s education system, their commitment to dialogue and improvement indicates a hopeful path forward. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, there is potential for enhancing educational governance and management.
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