Muniappa Gounder, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, has advocated for a thorough reform of the education system in Fiji, highlighting the critical role of parental involvement in fostering student success. He reported a marginal improvement in the Year 8 Examination results for 2024, with a pass rate of 69 percent, which is a 2 percent increase compared to the previous year. Despite this progress, Gounder pointed out a concerning 31 percent failure rate, indicating significant challenges that still need to be addressed within the education framework.
Gounder acknowledged that while the government offers free education and various support programs, issues such as work commitments, low literacy levels among parents, and a lack of engagement negatively affect student performance. He emphasized that parental involvement is essential, yet some families may not actively monitor their children’s academic progress.
Additionally, Gounder spoke about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believes has intensified existing educational deficiencies. He noted complications such as a rigorous curriculum, learning losses from the pandemic, and language barriers that further widen educational gaps. Other challenges cited include teacher shortages, inconsistent teaching quality, overcrowding in classrooms, and inadequate facilities. Behavioral difficulties, irregular attendance, and distractions from technology and peer influences were also mentioned as obstacles to student success.
He called for the Ministry of Education to enhance remedial teaching, invest in teacher training, improve school facilities, and promote greater parental involvement through community outreach programs. Gounder believes that a collaborative approach in addressing these issues can lead to better educational outcomes for all students.
In a time when education continues to evolve, fostering a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and the community holds the potential for significant improvements. Efforts to enhance student engagement and address systemic challenges can pave the way for a brighter future for Fiji’s youth.
Summary: Muniappa Gounder of the Fiji Teachers Union insists on comprehensive education reform, emphasizing the need for parental involvement, amidst challenges highlighted by a 31% failure rate in Year 8 exams. Solutions suggested include improved teacher training, remedial education, and community programs to better support students.
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