The future of Fiji’s workforce is facing significant challenges unless immediate investments and actions are taken to address the high student failure rates and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the working-age population. The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) has expressed concerns following alarming statistics indicating that nearly half of the students who took the Fiji Year 8 Examination this year did not pass. Moreover, a striking 64 percent of deaths attributable to NCDs are occurring within the country’s working-age demographic.
Edward Bernard, the chief executive of FCEF, highlighted the implications of this academic and health situation. He noted that the struggle with these issues hampers the availability and productivity of Fiji’s future labor market, which is especially worrying for employers. With a decline in skilled labor and the academic struggles of the younger population, the education system must effectively equip students with essential literacy and numeracy skills. This foundational knowledge is crucial for tertiary institutions that aim to further develop vocational skills necessary for the workforce.
Bernard emphasized the need for an enhanced teaching and learning process within the educational framework and suggested a review of the no-repeat policy to improve student outcomes. He pointed out that, in addition to addressing educational challenges, the medical system in Fiji needs to place greater emphasis on preventative care. According to a recent World Bank report, the financial cost of NCDs to Fiji is approximately $591 million per year, highlighting the urgency of preventative efforts over curative care in hospitals.
To proactively tackle these issues, Mr. Bernard mentioned that the FCEF is actively exploring partnerships with government agencies and development partners to implement programs aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles in the workplace. Despite the current challenges, there is a slight increase in the Year 8 Examination pass rate, which rose to 69 percent from last year’s 67 percent, suggesting potential for growth.
In summary, while the situation facing Fiji’s workforce appears daunting, with coordinated efforts in education and health care, there is hope for improvement. By investing in foundational skills for students and adopting preventive health measures, Fiji can work toward a more resilient and capable workforce for the future.
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