The Fijian Ministry of Education is currently tackling a significant teacher shortage, particularly evident in primary schools, as highlighted during a recent session in parliament. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro indicated that this issue is part of a global phenomenon where developed countries attract qualified teachers with more favorable salary packages, prompting a “brain drain” from Fiji.
This situation has led to a decrease in the number of available educators, adversely affecting educational quality and particularly disadvantaging students in rural areas. To address this pressing concern, the Ministry is implementing several initiatives aimed at improving teacher recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction.
A key initiative involves the recruitment of final year students from Teacher Training Institutes starting January 2024 to fill ongoing vacancies more efficiently. Additionally, graduates from the University of the South Pacific holding a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECCE) will also be qualified to teach lower primary grades. An induction program for new teachers will be launched at the beginning of the 2025 academic year, alongside resources like recorded lessons accessible through an eLearning platform.
Recognizing the urgent need for skilled educators, especially in STEM subjects, the Ministry is partnering with the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Scheme (TSLS) to boost recruitment from training institutions in these high-demand areas.
Furthermore, the Ministry has introduced policies aimed at enhancing teacher retention, such as increasing the retirement age to 60. This change has substantially reduced retirement numbers, with only 14 teachers retiring this year compared to 183 in 2022.
Specific cases, like the teacher shortage at Baulevu High School, have been addressed swiftly, with necessary staff appointments and directives to prevent similar issues in the future.
Radrodro emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and communities, in addressing the teacher shortfall. There is a hopeful outlook that, through these collective efforts, the quality of education in Fiji can be improved, ensuring that all students have access to skilled and dedicated educators.
The Ministry’s proactive measures signify a strong commitment to enhancing the education system in Fiji, laying the groundwork for a promising educational future for the nation’s youth.
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