The Ministry of Education in Fiji has unveiled concerning statistics regarding teacher absenteeism between 2022 and 2024, which has raised alarms about its adverse effects on students’ education. During a response to Opposition MP Premila Kumar, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro provided insights specific to secondary school educators in urban areas of Fiji.
The reported absences encompass various types of leave, including sick leave, personal leave, maternity leave, and more. The ministry employs the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS) to monitor teacher attendance, which requires schools to keep track of absences. According to Minister Radrodro, school heads are responsible for closely monitoring teacher attendance, noting that a teacher who is absent for seven consecutive days is treated as having resigned.
In response to these challenges, the ministry has implemented a recovery plan aimed at assisting students through additional afternoon and Saturday classes. However, the ongoing issue of frequent teacher absenteeism presents a significant hurdle.
Paula Manumanunitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, expressed concern about the negative implications of absenteeism on students’ academic performance. He highlighted that such absences disrupt lessons, particularly in critical subjects like mathematics and reading, leading to decreased student engagement and other behavioral issues. With over ten years of experience as a school principal, Manumanunitoga emphasized the importance of teacher presence for effective student learning.
Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, also voiced concerns regarding the issue, noting that while teachers have the right to take leave, excessive absenteeism can be detrimental. He urged teachers to adhere to appropriate leave limits and ensure valid reasons for absences, as excessive absenteeism is linked to poor student outcomes.
Both unions have proposed several remedies, including the hiring of additional teachers, relocating educators closer to their homes, and increasing salaries to account for the rising cost of living.
This situation stresses the need for a concerted effort to ensure consistent teacher presence in schools. By addressing teacher absenteeism, educational outcomes for students can improve, fostering a better learning environment. It is hopeful that with the proposed solutions and ongoing dialogues among stakeholders, positive changes will emerge to enhance both teacher engagement and student learning, ultimately benefiting the educational landscape in Fiji.
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