The Fijian Teachers Association has identified the lack of parental engagement and presence as a key factor contributing to the declining literacy rates among students. General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga expressed his concerns during the association’s annual general meeting. He pointed out that a significant number of students transitioning from primary to high school are still struggling with literacy skills.
Manumanunitoga emphasized that the foundation for literacy begins at home, but also acknowledged the role of teachers in collaborating with parents to support children’s education. He highlighted the dissatisfaction among teachers due to being overworked and underpaid, which negatively impacts their performance.
Teachers typically work long hours, starting at 7:30 am and often finishing at 6 pm, while also participating in extracurricular activities without adequate compensation. Manumanunitoga criticized the government’s lack of responsiveness to teachers’ concerns, saying that many parents are preoccupied with other commitments and not available to support their children’s learning.
He reiterated that parental absence, especially within the iTaukei community, is one of the factors contributing to low literacy rates in Fiji. Additionally, he stressed that the inadequate pay for teachers leads to low morale and diminished performance, which he identified as another significant issue affecting education in the country.