Fiji’s Year Eight Examination results have consistently struggled to exceed a 69 percent pass rate since 2018, according to Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, who addressed this issue in Parliament. The highest recorded pass rates were in 2019 and 2024, both reaching 69 percent. However, a concerning low was noted in 2022, where only 62 percent of students passed.
Radrodro revealed that since 2018, the number of students enrolled in Year 8 has seen an upward trend, increasing from 16,954 students that year to 19,396 in 2024. Despite this increase in enrollment, the pass rates remained underwhelming, prompting questions about the quality of education and support provided to students.
Furthermore, disparities in performance between rural and urban areas were highlighted. The educational outcomes for rural students have lagged behind their urban peers consistently over the years. For instance, in 2017, rural areas recorded a pass rate of 61 percent, contrasting with the 73 percent from urban schools. This gap persists, urging the need for targeted interventions to improve educational access and quality in rural settings.
While the pass rates present challenges, the increasing number of enrolled students indicates a growing interest in education. With strategic focus and resources, there is hope for improving pass rates across both urban and rural schools, fostering a more equitable educational landscape in Fiji.
In summary, the ongoing educational challenges in Fiji emphasize a crucial need for reform and targeted interventions, particularly in rural areas, but they also reflect potential for growth and improvement in the future.
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