Adi Pasemaca Valalau, a representative from Naduri Village in Macuata, recently expressed her concerns about the educational system during a Macuata Provincial Council meeting in Sasa Village. Highlighting the results of the 2024 Fiji Year 8 Examination, she argued that children should not bear the weight of educational failure alone.
Valalau emphasized that the frequent changes in the curriculum—three times in the last two decades and under different education ministers—leave children confused. She pointed out that as curriculum updates occur, teachers require time to adapt, which hinders their ability to effectively impart knowledge to students. “How can we expect children to pass their exams?” she questioned, underscoring the challenges posed by the constantly shifting educational landscape.
Reflecting on past experiences, she noted that parents were more familiar with the subjects their children studied, allowing them to assist with homework. Nowadays, however, many parents find themselves uninformed about the curriculum and unable to guide their children academically.
Valalau argued that the system needs a comprehensive review instead of holding parents responsible for their children’s educational challenges.
The concerns raised by Valalau can serve as a catalyst for change in the educational framework in Fiji. By addressing the root causes of student struggles, stakeholders can work together to create a more stable and supportive system that enables both teachers and parents to play their roles effectively in fostering children’s learning.
In summary, Adi Pasemaca Valalau calls for a reassessment of the educational system, emphasizing that children should not be left to shoulder the repercussions of a constantly changing curriculum. A more robust support system can lead to better educational outcomes for future generations.
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