Twelve districts in Macuata have committed to raising $30,000 each to enhance educational opportunities for the children in the province. The initiative was celebrated by Tui Labasa Ratu Jone Qomate during a Macuata Provincial Council meeting held at Sasa Village on Friday. If all districts fulfill their pledges, the expected total fundraising could reach approximately $360,000 by the financial year 2025.
Ratu Jone expressed concern over the outcomes of the recent Fiji Eighth Year Examination (FEYE), which saw around 6,000 students failing. In response, the council is forming an education committee made up of retired teachers to determine how many of these students hail from Macuata. Currently, there is no specific data available on the number of iTaukei students among those who did not pass.
The funds raised will be directed towards various educational programs, including a potential scholarship scheme aimed at supporting students who need additional help. Ratu Jone also brought attention to findings from the iTaukei Affairs Board’s wellbeing survey, which indicated a troubling rate of school dropouts, with many students lacking valid explanations for leaving school.
He emphasized the crucial role of parental involvement in education and encouraged traditional leaders to engage more actively with children about the significance of their studies.
This initiative reflects a strong community commitment to education, highlighting the proactive measures being taken to address recent educational challenges. By pooling resources and drawing upon the expertise of retired educators, the districts aim to foster a more supportive learning environment for the youth of Macuata.
The community’s overwhelming response and focus on educational improvement can serve as a beacon of hope and a model for other regions facing similar educational challenges.
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