Muniappa Gounder, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, is advocating for a thorough reform of the country’s education system, emphasizing the critical role of parental involvement in student learning. Gounder noted a marginal improvement in this year’s pass rate for the Year 8 examinations, which stands at 69%, a 2% increase from the previous year. Despite this progress, he pointed out that the 31% failure rate highlights ongoing challenges within the education framework.
He believes that while the government offers essential support in the form of free education and financial assistance, not all parents take an active role in tracking their children’s academic progress. This lack of engagement can be attributed to various factors, including busy work schedules, limited literacy skills, and sometimes a general apathy toward education.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains prominent, having intensified existing issues within the educational system. Challenges such as a rigorous curriculum, learning setbacks from the pandemic, and language barriers have created significant learning gaps. Additionally, systemic issues like teacher shortages, inconsistent teaching quality, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate facilities further complicate the situation.
Students are also grappling with behavioral challenges, irregular attendance, and distractions from technology and peer influence. Gounder stresses the importance of the Ministry of Education taking proactive measures to bolster remedial education, invest in teacher training, and foster greater parental involvement through community initiatives.
By addressing these matters collectively, Gounder believes that the education system can realize better outcomes for all students.
This plea for reform not only sheds light on pressing issues but also highlights the potential for collaboration between educators, parents, and the government. Building a more supportive educational environment could significantly enhance student success in Fiji, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.
Leave a comment