The School Management Association of Fiji is navigating a difficult terrain within the nation’s educational landscape. At the recent biennial conference, President Govind Singh expressed concerns over the association’s struggle to gain proper representation and acknowledgment as a key stakeholder in the education sector.
Historically, the association has facilitated programs aimed at enhancing the capabilities of school management committees by focusing on areas such as budgeting, financial management, resource allocation, infrastructure development, and governance. However, these initiatives were interrupted in 2014 under the previous administration, and despite a government transition in 2022, the association finds itself still without equal participation in essential decision-making processes.
Mr. Singh highlighted the lack of consultation with school management associations and committees on crucial issues, particularly emphasizing the ongoing challenges surrounding the School Management Handbook, which he states continues to be enforced without their input. Although the association has had meetings with key officials, including the Minister for Education and other educational leaders, they maintain that their voices have not been sufficiently heard.
Despite these obstacles, Mr. Singh reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for their rights and principles, indicating that they will continue to voice their objections against unilateral implementations that contradict their institutional values.
This situation presents an opportunity for collaboration and dialogue within Fiji’s educational sector. By engaging with the School Management Association, the government and other stakeholders can foster a more inclusive approach that respects the perspectives of all parties involved, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for students and the educational community at large.
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