The general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, Paula Manumanunitoga, has expressed concerns that some primary students transitioning to secondary school are still unable to read. Speaking at the association’s Annual General Meeting in Suva, he highlighted the troubling literacy rates among students leaving primary education.
He noted that secondary school teachers have reported difficulties with students who lack reading skills, calling the situation embarrassing. He urged primary school educators to work harder to enhance literacy levels, a point he raised in discussions with the education minister.
Manumanunitoga attributed part of the problem to an over-reliance on artificial intelligence tools. He expressed that while technology can support educators and students, it may also hinder critical thinking skills among children, as they might rely too heavily on technology for answers.
He pointed out that literacy and numeracy rates in Fiji were notably higher before the FijiFirst government took office, stating that the country was once the top performer in these areas in the Pacific. However, a decline has been observed over the last 16 years, with Fiji now ranking sixth and seventh, overtaken by nations including Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Kiribati.
Manumanunitoga also recalled past disciplinary methods that were effective in promoting academic performance, mentioning that students used to face strict measures such as standing on chairs or desks if they misbehaved, a practice that is no longer permissible.