The general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, Muniappa Gounder, has advocated for a thorough reform of the education system in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in students’ education. Despite a slight improvement in the Year 8 Examination pass rate, which reached 69 percent this year—a 2 percent increase from last year—Gounder highlighted the challenges that remain, evidenced by a 31 percent failure rate.
Gounder pointed out that while free education, transportation assistance, and back-to-school aid are available from the government, some parents do not actively monitor their children’s academic progress. He identified factors such as work commitments, limited literacy, and indifference as obstacles to enhancing parental engagement.
He also noted that the education system still grapples with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hindered growth and learning. Gounder cited issues such as a demanding curriculum, persistent learning losses from the pandemic, language barriers, teacher shortages, inconsistent teaching quality, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate facilities.
Furthermore, he addressed behavioral challenges that students face, including irregular attendance and distractions stemming from technology and peer pressure. Gounder advocated for the Ministry of Education to prioritize remedial education, improve teacher training, and foster greater parental involvement through community initiatives.
By addressing these interconnected issues, Gounder believes that Fiji can enhance the education system and achieve improved outcomes for all students. He underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts between parents, educators, and the government to create a supportive learning environment for children.
In summary, Gounder’s call for action reflects a desire for systemic change that places parental engagement at the forefront of student success, suggesting that with concerted effort, the educational challenges in Fiji can be effectively tackled.
This call to action offers hope for the future of education in Fiji, as it highlights the importance of community and collaboration in overcoming challenges and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically.
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