The permanent secretary, Selina Kuruleca, has emphasized that speaking one’s mother tongue may significantly help improve the country’s declining literacy rates. Speaking at the world literacy and numeracy celebrations held at the Pacific Community (SPC) office in Nabua, Suva, Ms. Kuruleca highlighted the importance of using the native language from Early Childhood Education through to year three.
Research indicates the necessity of mother tongue education, as it plays a crucial role in literacy development. Ms. Kuruleca pointed out several factors that affect literacy, including classroom sizes, home support, additional classroom assistance, the availability of teaching resources, access to qualified teachers, and an understanding of the children’s backgrounds.
She urged stakeholders to adopt a comprehensive approach to address literacy challenges, moving away from assumptions about what children need. According to her, the focus should be on the needs of children rather than the perspectives of adults or existing practices.
The Ministry of Education is actively involved in regional efforts coordinated by the SPC. Ms. Kuruleca mentioned the Pacific Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PLNA) results presented recently in Parliament by the Minister for Education, underscoring its importance. She noted that literacy encompasses not only the ability to read but also to understand and think critically.