The School Management Association of Fiji is navigating through a challenging period within the country’s educational landscape. During the organization’s biennial conference, President Govind Singh highlighted the ongoing difficulties in securing a proper role in the education framework.
Initially, the association offered programs aimed at enhancing the capabilities of school management committees in areas such as budgeting, financial management, resource allocation, and governance. However, these initiatives were truncated in 2014 under the previous administration. Singh pointed out that even after the change of government in 2022, the association has struggled to gain equal footing as a key stakeholder in education discussions.
He emphasized the challenges they face when school management committees are not included in decision-making processes. A notable grievance is the implementation of the School Management Handbook, which Singh believes has been imposed without proper consultation.
Despite having engaged with the Minister for Education, the Assistant Minister, and the Permanent Secretary, Singh reiterated that the association will persist in voicing its concerns against unilateral decisions that do not align with their values.
In summary, the School Management Association of Fiji is advocating for recognition and collaboration within the educational system, aiming for a more inclusive approach that respects their role as an essential stakeholder.
This situation presents an opportunity for reform in the educational sector, where open dialogue and cooperation between the government and educational associations can lead to improvements for schools across Fiji. Emphasizing collaborative efforts could pave the way for a more supportive environment for educational policies that benefit both students and the institutions meant to serve them.
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