Foreign education models are reportedly failing Pacific children, prompting a call for a major transformation in the educational approach in Fiji. During recent discussions on the Education Act review in Nasinu, Christal Kapoor, a Communications Consultant at Fiji National University, expressed concerns about the inadequacy of educational systems borrowed from Australia and New Zealand, emphasizing their unsuitability for Fiji’s unique context.
Kapoor made a strong case for incorporating the identities of iTaukei and Indo-Fijian communities into the school curriculum. She advocates for the return of traditional practices such as folk songs and storytelling, as well as the everyday use of local languages in classrooms. According to her, building an educational framework that is organically developed to meet local needs is key to preserving cultural identities while providing relevant education.
Highlighting the observations made on Girmit Remembrance Day, Kapoor pointed out the neglect of ancestral stories and the significance of cultural identity in daily education. She criticized the marginalization of local narratives in the school system, where students of various backgrounds find little reflection of their experiences and cultures. “If students do not hear or see their culture represented in everyday lessons, they may grow up thinking it is not important,” she warned.
Kapoor urged the Ministry of Education to move beyond symbolic gestures and implement concrete changes that decolonize the classroom. This aligns with earlier calls by other educators for a reformed curriculum that better resonates with students’ cultural contexts and academic needs.
Current conversations around Fiji’s education echo broader societal issues detailed by Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, who highlighted the urgent need for reforms. He noted disturbing trends of disengagement among young Fijians, which have resulted in increased access to illegal substances and a rise in unemployment.
Both Kapoor’s and Radrodro’s comments underline the importance of collective action from parents, educators, and community leaders to foster a supportive learning environment. Encouraging active participation and integration of local culture into education holds the promise of not only preserving identity but also empowering the next generation of Fijians to thrive.
In this time of challenge, there is a glimmer of hope as the community calls for educational reform, emphasizing the potential for positive change through collaboration and a focus on cultural inclusivity. With commitment and collective effort, Fiji has the opportunity to cultivate an educational landscape that is both empowering and culturally rich.
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