Fiji National University lecturer Surendra Pratap is advocating for immediate reforms in the education system to help combat the increasing rates of unemployment in the country. During a consultation for the review of the Education Act of 1966 in Nasinu, Pratap criticized the current educational framework for focusing primarily on preparing students for traditional job searches, rather than fostering entrepreneurial skills or vocational training.
He pointed out that many graduates, including those in professions such as teaching and law, find themselves struggling to secure employment in a saturated job market. Pratap stated, “We have a problem with the lack of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in our curriculum. We do not encourage creativity in the areas where students need it most.” He emphasized the necessity of having a cohesive plan among schools, the government, and private sectors to ensure that students are being equipped with skills that are relevant to the job market.
This call for educational reform aligns with concerns raised by other educational leaders in Fiji. For instance, Tomasi Toganaivalu, headteacher at Namataku District School, has also expressed frustration with the curriculum’s disconnect from industry needs, asserting that systemic changes are essential for improving student employability. Similarly, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has raised alarms about how the education system may inadvertently contribute to youth crime if it does not adequately prepare students for available job opportunities.
The urgent need for such reforms has gained additional context in light of the alarming statistic from the Higher Education Commission of Fiji: only 30% of school leavers pursue higher education, with the remaining 70% potentially facing unemployment or underemployment. Together, these discussions highlight a critical moment for educational stakeholders in Fiji to re-evaluate and realign the educational curriculum to better meet the contemporary needs of the labor market.
In a hopeful outlook, ongoing discussions and consultations regarding the Education Act present a significant opportunity for revitalizing the education system in Fiji. By focusing on nurturing creativity, practical skills, and entrepreneurial thinking, there is potential to cultivate a generation ready to contribute positively to both the economy and society as a whole.
Leave a comment