Opposition member Hem Chand has raised concerns regarding the increasing number of school dropouts, highlighting it as a pressing issue that the Government must address. His remarks came in response to Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro’s comments on the 2024 Fiji Year Eight Examination results, which revealed a troubling rise in dropouts at the primary school level.
According to Mr. Chand, the year 2023 saw 1,162 students leaving school before completing their primary education, marking a significant 34 percent increase from the 755 students who dropped out in 2022. This sharp rise is particularly alarming given the introduction of the free education program by the previous Bainimarama government in 2014, which was designed to promote educational continuity.
He noted that last year represented the highest number of dropouts before students reached Year 8 over the past five years, signaling a disturbing trend. Mr. Chand expressed that the uptick in dropouts is “absolutely shocking” and emphasized that transport challenges have become a critical barrier for students attending school.
Additionally, he pointed out that issues such as drug-related incidents within schools and the retention of teachers also require urgent attention from the government to foster a more conducive educational environment.
It’s essential for the government to take these concerns seriously and explore targeted strategies that can effectively address the underlying causes of school dropouts. By doing so, they can ensure that more children stay in school and receive the education they deserve, which ultimately benefits society as a whole.
This issue, while concerning, presents a clear opportunity for the government, educators, and the community to collaboratively implement solutions that will keep students engaged and supported throughout their educational journey.
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