The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has expressed serious concerns about the future of Fiji’s workforce, driven by alarming trends in student academic performance and rising health issues among working-age individuals. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 50% of students who took the year eight exam this year did not pass. Additionally, around 64% of deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occur within the workforce demographic, accounting for a significant 80% of all such fatalities.
Edward Bernard, the Chief Executive of FCEF, highlighted that this troubling situation poses significant risks to the availability and productivity of future labor. He noted that tertiary institutions rely on students with basic literacy and numeracy skills to provide the necessary training and education for the workforce. The current academic deficiencies will create challenges for these institutions in the near future.
Furthermore, those students lacking foundational skills often struggle to access tertiary education and may find it difficult even to pursue self-employment, a concern for both the Government and organizations that provide startup grants. Starting and maintaining small businesses demands essential entrepreneurial skills, which are hard to come by amid high operating costs and a lack of training.
To address these challenges, FCEF insists on the need for an overhaul of the educational framework, particularly reconsidering the current no-repeat policy to foster better outcomes for students across educational stages. Bernard also emphasized the necessity for improvements in the medical sector, advocating for more investment in preventative healthcare rather than focusing solely on curative measures. According to a recent World Bank report, the annual financial burden of NCDs on Fiji reaches about $591 million, affecting employers and their contributions to healthcare funds.
In a proactive step, the FCEF is looking to form partnerships with government entities and development organizations to initiate programs promoting healthier, more active lifestyles among workers at the enterprise level.
Summing up, while the current situation is challenging, it presents an opportunity for systematic change that can enhance the educational framework and health system. By investing in both areas, Fiji can pave the way for a more capable and healthier workforce in the future. Strengthening education and healthcare not only benefits individual lives but also contributes to the economic resilience and long-term prosperity of the nation.
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