Keshni Prasad, a teacher at Drasa Primary School, recently addressed the Public Consultation on the Review of the Education Act 1966, advocating for a shift in how schools are evaluated, particularly those deemed underperforming. She emphasized the importance of understanding the local context of each school, arguing that labeling schools as “hope schools”—a term used for institutions with low academic results—fails to recognize the challenges faced by students outside the classroom.
Prasad stated that factors such as a child’s home environment, family dynamics, and literacy issues should be considered when assessing school performance. She urged that schools shouldn’t be judged solely on their pass rates, as many students may struggle due to a lack of literacy skills fostered at home, where different languages like Hindi and iTaukei are commonly spoken.
To address these educational disparities, she advocated for all children to attend Early Childhood Education (ECE) before starting Year 1. She suggested that early learners should be allowed to write on chalkboards and engage in writing and reading independently during the initial weeks of Year 1. “If we want to make a smarter Fiji, we must start from the root,” she asserted, highlighting the need for foundational skills in education.
This call for change aligns with recent concerns voiced by Fiji’s Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, regarding underperforming “hope” schools. Radrodro has initiated a stricter monitoring of such institutions and is committed to improving the Year 8 academic outcomes, which have alarmingly low pass rates in subjects like English and Mathematics.
The Ministry of Education’s actions show a commitment to revamping the educational system, focusing on accountability, curriculum development, and support for rural and maritime schools to ensure equitable educational opportunities. By addressing the root causes of underperformance, there is hope for a significant uplift in Fiji’s education system that fosters both academic and personal growth for students.
Overall, the perspectives from both Prasad and Radrodro reflect a shared vision for a more supportive and responsive educational framework in Fiji, suggesting a brighter future for students as the system evolves to meet their needs.
Leave a comment