Muniappa Gounder, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, has advocated for a thorough reform of the education system, highlighting the fundamental role of parental involvement in students’ success. He noted a slight increase in the pass rate for the 2024 Fiji Year 8 Examinations, which stands at 69 percent—a 2 percent improvement from the previous year. However, Gounder pointed out that the 31 percent failure rate reveals ongoing challenges within the educational system.
He emphasized the importance of parental engagement, stating that factors such as work commitments, low literacy levels, and sometimes a lack of interest in schoolwork impede parents’ participation in their children’s academic lives. While the government has made strides by providing free education and support programs, Gounder expressed concern that some parents are not sufficiently involved in overseeing their children’s educational progress.
Gounder also identified several systemic issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have hindered growth within the school system. He highlighted a demanding curriculum, learning losses attributed to the pandemic, language barriers, teacher shortages, inconsistent teaching quality, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate facilities as significant impediments to student achievement. Additionally, he mentioned behavioral issues, irregular school attendance, and the distractions posed by technology and peer pressure as factors affecting student performance.
He called for the Ministry of Education to bolster remedial education, improve teacher training, enhance school facilities, and promote greater parental involvement through community outreach programs. Gounder believes that collaboratively addressing these concerns can lead to better educational outcomes for students.
As of the time of reporting, questions directed to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro regarding these issues remained unanswered.
In summary, enhancing parental involvement and tackling systemic challenges in the education sector could provide the necessary support for students to thrive. With collaborative efforts among parents, educators, and government officials, there is potential for significant progress in Fiji’s educational landscape. This positive outlook emphasizes the power of community engagement in fostering academic success.
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