In January 2020, concerns about high school students who were either non-readers or slow readers were raised by a high school principal during a meeting at Vunimono Hall in Nausori. This issue was described as a tragedy for Fiji, and the principal expressed the emotional challenge of aiding students with literacy problems. He emphasized that this problem was not unique to his school but was a national issue that needed immediate attention from the Ministry of Education. He speculated that the root causes could be the student demographics, the quality of textbooks, or the curriculum itself. The national pass rate at the time underscored the magnitude of the problem.
Pravin Nath, the Ministry of Education’s Central Division education officer at the time, acknowledged the issue and mentioned that the ministry had data and was working to solve it.
In a positive development, the Government has increased the allocation for Early Childhood Education by $2.5 million to a total of $22.3 million for the 2024-2025 financial year. This increase is aimed at raising the standard of education to meet modern demands and prepare children for adulthood and the workforce. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro highlighted the importance of early childhood care and the budget’s focus on enhancing early learning programs to give young children the best possible start.
There have been ongoing concerns about students progressing through the education system without a strong foundation in crucial subjects such as math, reading, and writing. Lau Provincial Council chairperson Ratu Meli Saubulinayau pointed out that students are being promoted despite low marks, which could lead to difficulties in grasping complex concepts as they advance.
The system needs to be evaluated to address these root problems. While the increased budget for Early Childhood Education is crucial, considerations for the broader, complex challenges within the education system are also necessary. Improvements must be meaningful to elevate education standards effectively.