Ministry of Youth and Sports senior sports officer Jone Koroitamana announced that the physical education program is currently inactive in schools across Fiji. Speaking during the National Sporting Organisations conference titled ‘Sports the Engine of Change’ at the Harbour Point Convention Centre in Lami, Koroitamana emphasized the need for collaboration with relevant ministries overseeing schools to revitalize physical education initiatives.
Koroitamana highlighted insights from consultations with the National Sporting Organisations (NSO) across both the Western and Northern divisions of Fiji. He pointed out the crucial recommendations received aimed at improving the qualifications of university graduates who aspire to teach physical education. He also stressed the importance of integrating sports development into the physical education curriculum, aligning it with the objectives of the NSOs.
Joji Liga, a sports development officer with the Fiji National Sports Commission, echoed these concerns, noting that there has been a persistent shortage of qualified physical education teachers in schools. Liga elaborated on the ‘Train the Trainers’ program, which aims to formally educate teachers and enhance their coaching skills in sports such as volleyball, cricket, athletics, and rugby. Through their ‘Educate the Educator’ initiative, they are working to close the gap in the school system by providing accreditation training for teachers.
This initiative is reflective of a broader awareness within Fiji’s educational and sports sectors regarding the importance of structured physical education. Past comments from Patrick Bower, president of the Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Association, further reinforce this perspective. Bower has advocated for dedicated PE teachers in primary schools, insisting on a comprehensive approach to physical education that transcends popular sports dynamics to ensure holistic child development.
The collective efforts of these organizations signify a potential shift towards a more robust physical education framework in Fiji’s schools, fostering an environment where young athletes can develop and thrive. With ongoing support and new training programs, there is a hopeful outlook for revitalizing physical education and enhancing youth engagement in sports across the nation.
Leave a comment