School managements across Fiji are under strict scrutiny regarding the use of government funding, which must now be allocated wisely. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro addressed this matter as significant reforms to school funding were unveiled in the 2025-2026 National Budget.
The Minister’s warning followed Finance Minister Biman Prasad’s announcement that the government is granting schools full flexibility in utilizing the free education grant, which amounts to $65 million and benefits over 225,000 students nationwide. Mr. Radrodro emphasized that “with this freedom comes responsibility,” and reassured that the Ministry will implement strong accountability frameworks to monitor funding usage.
Previously, schools faced strict spending restrictions—limitations on how much could be allocated to maintenance, IT, or other areas have been removed. Now, schools can prioritize their needs as they see fit, reflecting a major shift toward true educational autonomy. For instance, schools may now allocate up to 90% of their grant for expansion, if deemed necessary, compared to earlier constraints.
Minister Prasad noted that these reforms are the result of extensive consultations with school leaders, enabling a more localized approach towards financial decision-making. He highlighted that school management will have the opportunity to save funds or borrow against the grant for larger investments, thus fostering confidence in their ability to respond effectively to their specific needs.
In addition to granting flexibility in fund allocation, the government is moving to remove restrictions on school fundraising, allowing for more frequent, voluntary fundraising initiatives, which is designed to strengthen school-community partnerships and promote ownership in educational endeavors.
While these reforms signify a positive direction for Fiji’s educational landscape, the Ministry has made it clear that accountability will remain a priority. Close monitoring will ensure that every dollar spent effectively contributes to improving educational outcomes. This balance between autonomy and accountability aims to create a responsible governance structure, ultimately benefiting students and their communities.
Such developments reveal a hopeful commitment to enhancing the educational experience in Fiji, bolstering trust in school leaders, and potentially paving the way for a more adaptive educational system to meet the diverse needs of students. The future looks promising with these initiatives focusing on empowering educators and fostering better connections within communities.
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