The general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, Paula Manumanunitoga, has raised concerns regarding the literacy levels of students transitioning from primary to secondary school. Speaking at the association’s annual general meeting in Suva, he highlighted that some students do not know how to read when they enter secondary education.
Manumanunitoga addressed primary school teachers, emphasizing the feedback from their secondary school counterparts about the inability of some students to read. He described the situation as embarrassing and urged primary educators to intensify their efforts to enhance literacy among students. This was a topic discussed in previous meetings with the education minister.
He pointed out that an overreliance on artificial intelligence tools could be part of the problem. According to Manumanunitoga, while these advanced IT systems can aid teachers and students, they may also discourage critical thinking. He expressed concern that some children are becoming too dependent on technology, leading to a decrease in independent learning skills.
Manumanunitoga also noted a decline in literacy and numeracy rates, stating that before the FijiFirst government took office, these rates were among the highest in the Pacific. He lamented that Fiji is now trailing behind countries like Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Kiribati in these crucial areas.
He reminisced about strict disciplinary measures used in previous years that helped students achieve better academic performance, contrasting that with current practices where such measures are no longer acceptable.