The Free Education Grant (FEG) policy in Fiji is facing serious challenges. While it was introduced with the aim of providing financial access to education, recent reports reveal that its effectiveness is declining, impacting thousands of students. A recent survey of 107 school leaders indicates that since the FEG’s inception in 2014, its real value has diminished by 30.7% due to inflation and budget cuts. As a result, schools can now afford only about two-thirds of what they could when the program started. Disturbingly, over 80% of school leaders believe the current FEG is insufficient to meet even the basic needs of their schools.
The consequences of this underfunding are becoming increasingly apparent, with deteriorating school facilities, declining teacher morale, and unfavorable educational outcomes. This echoes similar findings noted from previous assessments which highlighted that between 2019 and 2023, a significant number of students—5,726 secondary school students—dropped out, along with 4,589 unregistered primary school students. These statistics underline a worrying trend of neglect, exacerbated by insufficient parental involvement and misguided priorities regarding education within families.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has emphasized that while the government has provided free education, free textbooks, and transportation assistance, families must also play their part. The existing challenges—migration, family breakdowns, and transitioning into the workforce—are symptoms of deeper societal issues, including a lack of value placed on education.
Reverend Simione Tugi has spotlighted the impact of this neglect, warning that if these trends persist, Fiji could see a rise in youth crime and disillusionment. He and other education advocates are calling for parents to become more active in supporting their children’s education, reminding them that a commitment to learning impacts not only individual futures but the wider community and nation.
Despite the grim outlook, there is hope for positive change. With ongoing dialogues between the Ministry of Education, community leaders, and parents, there is potential to rekindle a shared commitment to education and bolster resources for schools to better support students. By prioritizing educational engagement at the family and community levels, Fiji can pave the way for a brighter future, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed.
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