The Ministry of Education has praised the Special and Inclusive Education (SIE) team from Fiji for successfully completing their inaugural overseas knowledge-sharing trip to Melbourne, Australia during the recent school break. This team consisted of teachers from several schools including Latianara Primary, Arya Samaj Primary, Hilton Early Intervention Center, Nasavusavu Special School, Labasa Special School, and Nausori Special School, along with three education officers.
Before their departure, the Fijian Minister for Education endorsed their journey and extended his best wishes. The group’s itinerary in Melbourne included visits to developmental schools, country schools, and junior high schools, along with participation in full-day sessions organized by the Victorian Department of Education. Additionally, the team contributed to the 2025 National Education Summit, engaging with international experts to explore and exchange best practices in the field of inclusive education.
The Ministry of Education in Fiji highlighted how this visit offered the team practical strategies and innovative approaches that are expected to enhance teaching methods and student support back in Fiji. This collaborative effort is seen as a means to fortify the country’s inclusive education system.
The Ministry extended gratitude to the Victorian Department of Education and the schools visited for their hospitality, emphasizing that this partnership demonstrates a mutual commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
The significance of this visit aligns with broader objectives expressed by the Fijian Education sector, such as the increasing enrollment of over 2,200 students with disabilities in both special and mainstream schools. The Education Minister has been vocal about the importance of integrating students into regular schools, the introduction of new curriculums, and increased support for inclusive education.
Overall, this initiative underlines not only the progress being made but also the unwavering commitment of educators and international partners to create a fairer, more supportive learning environment. The trip is a testament to the strengthening collaboration between Fiji and Australia, aimed at fostering inclusivity in education and providing every child, regardless of their abilities, with access to quality educational opportunities.
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