The initiative for free education has been recognized as a groundbreaking policy designed to provide every child with the chance to complete their education without financial burden. However, recent statistics show a concerning reality, with 5,726 students dropping out of secondary school and 4,589 primary school students remaining unregistered between 2019 and 2023.
While the Ministry of Education has made significant strides, such as offering transportation support and technical and vocational education training (TVET) options, these troubling figures suggest a deeper issue: the failure of parents to support their children’s education.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro’s remarks in Parliament should have raised alarms in households across Fiji. Yet, rather than examining external factors, parents need to reflect on their roles. With the government providing free schooling, textbooks, and transportation assistance, the question arises: why are so many students still missing out on education?
Cited reasons for the dropouts, such as migration, family issues, and choices to enter the workforce, are superficial compared to the underlying problem—a lack of emphasis on the importance of education and planning for the future of Fiji’s children. Parents often shift blame onto outside influences instead of acknowledging their own responsibilities in this situation.
When families fail to communicate the value of education, it leads to generations experiencing missed chances and hardship. Reverend Simione Tugi poses critical questions: “If this trend continues, what can we expect? Will we see more youth engaging in criminal activities?” Such inquiries are becoming increasingly relevant as the nation confronts the consequences of rising dropout rates, disillusioned young people, and an uncertain future.
It is essential for parents to prioritize their children’s education actively. The government has upheld its commitments; now it is time for parents to fulfill theirs.