In Ba Province, over 5,275 students have dropped out of school between 2019 and 2023, as reported by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro. While some may have pursued vocational training at institutions such as Monfort or Pacific Polytech, others have likely entered the workforce, migrated, or chosen farming as an alternative path.

The Ministry of Education is actively working alongside the Ba Provincial Council to mitigate this dropout rate. Minister Radrodro highlighted several government initiatives aimed at raising awareness and encouraging school attendance, including free education grants, transportation assistance, and support for textbooks, as well as engagement strategies involving parents.

Efforts to enhance educational opportunities in maritime areas include providing boats to 13 primary schools and two secondary schools, alongside establishing boarding schools in remote locations. These initiatives seek to relieve students of the potential dangers of living far from home while attending school.

Transport assistance is being extended to schools in remote districts like Nasesevia and Nadarivatu, with 12 licensed operators aiding students along the Tualeita Range. Community leaders are also being trained to better assist families and young people in focusing on education goals.

The Special and Inclusive Education Policy, revised last year, promotes the inclusion of children with special needs in mainstream classrooms, ensuring quality education access for all. However, changing community attitudes towards vocational studies is a challenge that remains, especially in areas like Yasawa and Nadi where many parents work in tourism and have limited engagement with their children’s educational needs.

Minister Radrodro identified concerning trends such as increased freedom among students leading to negative behaviors, including drug involvement. He noted that youth are sometimes exploited in illicit drug trade activities, emphasizing the importance of robust community involvement in education.

This report highlights a critical need for collective actions involving government, educational institutions, families, and communities to reverse the dropout trend and reinforce the value of education in Fiji. By continuously improving support systems and creating pathways for success, there is hope for a brighter educational future for the youth in Ba Province.