Fiji faces a challenging future regarding its workforce if urgent investments aren’t made to address critical issues such as high student failure rates and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adults. The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) highlights these concerns following alarming statistics indicating that nearly half of the students who participated in this year’s Year 8 Examination did not pass. Additionally, NCDs account for 64 percent of deaths among the working-age demographic, contributing significantly to the nation’s workforce challenges.
Edward Bernard, chief executive of FCEF, emphasized the troubling situation facing both education and healthcare sectors. He noted that tertiary institutions rely on accepting students with foundational literacy and numeracy skills in order to effectively prepare them for the workforce. The current academic performance of young individuals poses a substantial hurdle for these institutions.
To tackle this issue, Bernard advocated for reforms within the education system to strengthen teaching methodologies and reassess the existing “no repeat” policy, which could lead to improved student outcomes. He mentioned that creating a healthier workforce necessitates a shift towards preventative health measures, rather than solely focusing on hospital-based treatments. According to a recent World Bank report, the financial burden of NCDs in Fiji amounts to $591 million annually, a cost partly borne by employers.
As a proactive measure, FCEF is seeking collaborations with governmental bodies and development partners to implement initiatives that encourage healthier, more active lifestyles within the workforce.
In more encouraging news, despite the challenges, the Year 8 Examination reported a pass rate of 69 percent this year, showing a slight increase from 67 percent in the previous year. Urban areas had a 71 percent pass rate compared to 66 percent in rural settings, suggesting that there are areas of growth and potential within the educational landscape.
In summary, while the challenges facing Fiji’s workforce are significant, there is hope that through strategic investments in both education and health, a brighter future can be forged. Collaboration between employers, educational institutions, and healthcare providers may lead to a stronger, healthier workforce that can effectively contribute to the nation’s development.
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