The Education Act of 1966 lacks an enforcement mechanism for its policy on compulsory education for children ages six to 15, according to David Solvalu, a consultant and legal drafter from the Ministry of Education. While the law mandates education, there are no repercussions for parents who fail to send their children to school, making the statute ineffective.
Solvalu emphasized the absence of a system to ensure compliance with the compulsory education policy. He noted that consultations across the nation have revealed various suggestions for improvements, highlighting successful enforcement strategies from countries like New South Wales, Australia, and Singapore.
In New South Wales, for example, parents are required to attend conferences to discuss attendance issues, and if necessary, authorities can escalate the matter to court order or financial penalties. This kind of support system aims to help parents with challenges such as financial constraints or transportation difficulties. In contrast, the current framework in Fiji simply states that education is mandatory without any follow-up measures.
This discussion emerges during ongoing consultations regarding the Education Act, indicating a critical opportunity for reform in the Fijian education system. The findings align with previous remarks by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, who has highlighted the urgent need to address the dropout rates that have persisted across administrations.
By potentially implementing stricter enforcement and community support mechanisms, there is prospective hope for enhancing student attendance and educational outcomes. Continued engagement with the public and stakeholders could lead to more robust policies that not only encourage school attendance but also address underlying issues faced by families, creating a stronger educational foundation for future generations.
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