Education Minister Aseri Radrodro recently informed Parliament that the Ministry of Education has made significant progress in distributing Term 1 and Term 2 grants to numerous schools throughout the country since October 2025. However, a handful of schools are still in the process of addressing compliance issues that have delayed their funding.
Radrodro confirmed that the majority of educational institutions have received their allocated grants, but noted that 85 Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers, 22 primary schools, and 2 secondary schools have not yet qualified for their funding due to outstanding financial and administrative compliance matters. The delays stem primarily from issues such as late submissions of Annual Financial Reports, incomplete bank account details, and missing Annual General Meeting (AGM) minutes, which hinder the establishment of vendor profiles in the new Financial Management Information System (FMIS).
The Minister assured the Parliament that the Ministry is actively engaging with school leaders and management teams to resolve these issues promptly. He expressed a commitment to facilitating the timely release of grants to the affected schools once they meet the necessary compliance requirements.
This initiative aligns with previous initiatives reported on the funding structure for educational institutions. Earlier articles highlighted a total allocation of approximately $66 million through the Free Education Grant, which has benefited over 700 primary schools and 170 secondary schools, enhancing educational resources across various levels. The government’s emphasis on compliance with the Financial Management Handbook 2020 underscores a focus on accountability and responsible spending.
Radrodro stated, “Free education is more than just tuition-free access – it’s about empowering every child with the tools and environment they need to thrive.” This philosophy mirrors the ongoing governmental efforts to invest in education, particularly emphasizing the importance of early childhood education, which sets a strong foundation for future learning.
As the Ministry continues to work through the compliance challenges, there is hope for an improved educational landscape in Fiji. The collaborative efforts between the Ministry and schools are essential in ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive academically.
The continued investment in education and the commitment to resolving outstanding issues paint a positive picture for the future of Fiji’s educational opportunities, aiming to empower schools and, ultimately, every child seeking knowledge and growth.
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