School dropout rates have emerged as a pressing concern that the Government must tackle, according to Opposition member Hem Chand. In reaction to Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro’s comments regarding the 2024 Fiji Year Eight Examination results, Mr. Chand highlighted a significant rise in primary school dropouts during 2023.
Mr. Chand noted that 1,162 students left school before completing their primary education last year, marking a 34 percent increase from the 755 dropouts recorded in 2022. He expressed his astonishment at this trend, particularly considering the free education initiative launched by the Bainimarama government in 2014.
2023 witnessed the highest number of students abandoning school before reaching Year 8 in the past five years, with over 1,000 students dropping out. Mr. Chand described the situation as alarming and emphasized the stark rise in dropout statistics compared to previous years.
He pointed out that the past government’s strategies, such as the Free Education Grant and Transport Assistance, effectively contributed to lowering dropout rates. However, current transportation challenges appear to be hindering student attendance. Mr. Chand also raised concerns over drug-related incidents in schools and the retention of qualified teachers, urging the Government to address these critical issues.
This highlights an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to ensure students can access education effectively and remain engaged in the learning process.
Looking ahead, fostering collaboration between governmental bodies, educational institutions, and communities could help combat the factors contributing to student dropouts. With collective efforts, it’s possible to create supportive environments that encourage students to complete their education and thrive academically.
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