The decline in literacy rates among students in Fiji has been attributed to the absence of parents at home and a lack of engagement with their children, according to Paula Manumanunitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association. During the association’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, he expressed concern from high school teachers regarding the number of students who, despite recently finishing primary school, are still unable to read and write.
Manumanunitoga emphasized that parental involvement is crucial. “It all starts from home,” he stated, while also pointing out that teachers play a role in providing support alongside parents. He identified these factors as significant contributors to the low literacy rates in Fiji, accompanied by the discontent among teachers, who he described as some of the most dissatisfied workers in the country.
He noted that teachers often face heavy workloads and inadequate compensation, which negatively impacts their performance. “They report for work at 7:30 AM, finish at 6 PM, and still engage in extracurricular activities, yet their remuneration does not reflect their efforts,” he said.
Additionally, Manumanunitoga highlighted that the government has not adequately addressed the concerns raised by educators. “Parents are often preoccupied with other commitments. When children return home, especially in iTaukei families, their parents are frequently absent. This is a noteworthy factor contributing to the decline in literacy rates. I reiterate that teachers’ low pay is the first factor affecting morale and performance,” he concluded.