Muniappa Gounder, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, has advocated for a thorough overhaul of the education system, emphasizing the importance of active participation from parents and guardians. He acknowledged a slight increase in the pass rate for the 2024 Fiji Year 8 Examination, which stands at 69 percent—up 2 percent from the previous year. However, he highlighted the 31 percent failure rate as a significant indicator of ongoing challenges within the education framework.
Gounder pointed out that while government initiatives such as free education, transportation assistance, and back-to-school aid exist, many parents may not fully engage in their children’s educational journeys due to various factors, including work commitments and limited literacy. He argued that enhancing parental involvement is essential for fostering student success.
He also noted the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have exacerbated existing educational challenges. Pain points include a demanding curriculum, persistent learning gaps due to the pandemic, and language barriers, which all hinder academic progress. Additionally, the issues of teacher shortages, uneven teaching quality, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient facilities contribute to these hurdles.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Gounder called on the Ministry of Education to fortify remedial education, improve teacher training, and promote community programs that encourage parental participation. He firmly believes that addressing these multifaceted challenges together will lead to improved educational outcomes for all students.
In conclusion, while there are substantial challenges facing Fiji’s education system, Gounder’s emphasis on parental involvement and collaborative reform offers a hopeful pathway towards enhancing student success and bridging educational gaps. Strengthening community ties and educational support structures can pave the way for a brighter future for students in Fiji.
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