Fiji’s free education initiative, intended to eliminate financial barriers to schooling, faces significant challenges. Between 2019 and 2023, the alarming figures show 5,726 secondary school dropouts and 4,589 unregistered primary school students, highlighting a concerning trend of neglect.
Despite the Ministry of Education’s efforts, which include providing transport assistance and vocational training pathways, these statistics underscore a troubling reality: parents are not fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure their children’s education. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro’s comments in Parliament, which should have sparked widespread concern, have led to a call for parents to reflect on their roles in this crisis.
The reported reasons for students dropping out—such as migration, family disruptions, or early employment—point to broader issues. At the core, there appears to be a lack of appreciation for education and a failure to prioritize the future of Fiji’s youth. Rather than blame external factors, parents need to take accountability for their part in this ongoing situation.
Without families emphasizing the value of education, Fiji risks raising a generation unprepared for the future, missing out on vital opportunities and facing significant hardships. Reverend Simione Tugi’s probing questions remind us of the stakes involved: the potential increase in youth crime and unrest if these trends continue is no longer a mere concern but a looming reality.
It is crucial for parents to commit time and resources to prioritize their children’s education. The government has delivered on its promises; now it is time for parents to do the same.