The outlook for Fiji’s workforce is concerning unless immediate investments are made to address the high student failure rates and the widespread occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the working-age population. The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) has raised alarm over recent statistics indicating that nearly half of the students who took the Fiji Year 8 Examination this year failed. Furthermore, it was reported that 64 percent of deaths attributable to NCDs were occurring in the working demographic, which could have serious implications for the country’s future labor market.
FCEF Chief Executive Edward Bernard emphasized that the ongoing academic difficulties faced by students and the health issues impacting workers threaten the availability and productivity of Fiji’s future workforce. He pointed out that tertiary education institutions rely on accepting students who possess foundational literacy and numerical skills to progress towards higher education and vocational training.
In light of these challenges, Mr. Bernard underscored the urgent need for educational reforms, including a review of the no-repeat policy, to create more favorable conditions for student outcomes. He also highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare initiatives, arguing that the current focus on curative medical treatments is not sufficient for ensuring a healthy workforce.
Moreover, recent findings from a World Bank report suggest that inadequate investment in preventive care is costing Fiji approximately $591 million per year, which places further pressure on employers. In response, FCEF is seeking to collaborate with government bodies and development partners to implement programs promoting healthier lifestyles among employees and community members.
Despite the challenges, there was a noted improvement in the Year 8 Examination results, with an overall pass rate of 69 percent this year, a slight rise from last year. While 66 percent of students in rural areas passed, urban areas saw a higher pass rate of 71 percent.
This situation serves as both a challenge and a call to action for Fiji—an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and create meaningful change in the educational and health sectors, ultimately fostering a robust workforce for the future.
Summary: Fiji’s workforce faces serious challenges due to high student failure rates and prevalent non-communicable diseases among workers. The FCEF calls for educational reforms and greater investment in preventive healthcare. While Year 8 Examination results have slightly improved, there is an urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure a healthier, more skilled future labor market.
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