School Visits Under Fire: Are They Just a Box-Ticking Exercise?

Concerns surrounding the effectiveness of the Education Ministry’s school visits have been voiced by parents, particularly during recent consultations on the Education Act. Shabbir Ali, a parent attending the Nadi consultation, criticized the visits as mere “tick-box activities” lacking concrete outcomes.

Ali expressed his frustration, stating, “I don’t think the visits by ministers are giving any value to us, our money, our kids, our schools.” He emphasized the need for transparency about the outcomes of these visits, urging the ministry to provide more substantial assessments on the learning environments of schools, rather than just statistics about student numbers and classroom counts. He argued that parents deserve to know how schools are delivering value for their financial contributions.

Additionally, he pointed out the necessity for schools to prioritize improving their facilities, particularly basic amenities such as toilets, which he believed should be addressed proactively by school leaders. “Would any of the ministers or the PS be able to use the washrooms?” he questioned, highlighting the pressing need for attention to these basic conditions.

These sentiments resonate with broader discussions within the education system, particularly about accountability in school management and the importance of community involvement, as highlighted by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro in his recent statements. The Minister has begun to enforce stricter oversight of schools, particularly after issues of mismanagement arose at Nabua Primary School. He stressed that for the quality of education to improve, communities must actively participate in overseeing their schools.

The Ministry’s commitment to fostering community engagement reflects a recognition that collaboration is crucial for addressing infrastructural challenges and enhancing educational standards. As these discussions unfold, there is potential for significant improvements in schools’ operational conditions and overall educational quality.

The ongoing engagement between parents, educators, and the Ministry of Education creates a hopeful atmosphere for reform. By prioritizing parental feedback and community involvement, there is an opportunity to create a more conducive learning environment for students—ultimately benefiting the entire educational ecosystem.