Fiji’s Education Minister, Aseri Radrodro, has highlighted a concerning trend of parents not supervising their children’s school work at home, which he believes is affecting student performance, particularly in the Fiji Year Eight Examination. Speaking in Parliament, Radrodro pointed out that various factors contribute to this issue, including irregular attendance due to health issues, family responsibilities, a lack of interest from both parents and students, and community-related problems.
He identified additional challenges such as community violence, substance abuse, and a lack of access to support services and digital learning resources. These issues are especially prevalent in rural and maritime areas, which were observed during school visits. Furthermore, he noted that unclear and overly complex exam questions do not align with the curriculum, alongside ineffective monitoring systems for addressing students’ learning deficits.
The Minister advocated for a comprehensive review of the curriculum to ensure it aligns with the capabilities and availability of teachers, suggesting that the focus should shift from rote learning and exam results towards fostering a deeper conceptual understanding in students.
To address these challenges, Radrodro emphasized the importance of a collaborative effort among schools, families, policymakers, and the community. He believes that creating a supportive learning environment requires input from various stakeholders, including religious organizations.
As educators and parents work together to address these challenges, there is hope for improvement in student outcomes. By fostering a stronger partnership between home and school, the potential for enhancing student learning and engagement can significantly increase.
In summary, the involvement of parents in monitoring their children’s education, combined with community support and systematic curriculum improvements, can lead to a more effective education system in Fiji.
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