In Tailevu, an innovative initiative aims to enhance students’ literacy skills by establishing ten pilot schools, which will also function as community libraries. Academic Doctor Akanisi Kedrayate, who leads the Tailevu education committee, announced that five of the pilot schools will be located in Tailevu South, while the other five will be in Tailevu North.
During her statement, Dr. Kedrayate expressed serious concerns about the current state of students’ reading and writing abilities, emphasizing a need for improvement. “As a lecturer at the University of the South Pacific, I can vouch that the ability to read and communicate is deplorable,” she stated. She noted how reliance on mobile phones contributes to plagiarism, indicating that students have become disconnected from independent critical thinking and writing skills.
To counter these trends, the Tailevu Education Committee, which has been successful in granting scholarships to students—with an impressive 80% graduation rate for recipients—has partnered with the Tailevu community in Brisbane. This collaboration is expected to help establish libraries stocked with both iTaukei and English books, creating a deeper resource base for students.
Funding for the scholarships has been primarily supplied by the people of Tailevu through the annual Tailevu ni Siga event, with financial support ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. This concerted effort not only reflects a communal engagement in educational improvement but also highlights a model of resource mobilization that other regions may find inspiring.
The initiative aligns with ongoing discussions about enhancing educational standards across Fiji, especially considering the alarming literacy challenges noted in previous reports. For instance, many students from primary to secondary education are entering the latter stages without foundational reading skills. The establishment of these pilot schools is a hopeful step toward reversing these trends and fostering a more literate generation.
Overall, the community’s investment in education through these new schools and libraries offers a promising outlook for the youth of Tailevu. With increased resources and support tailored to enhancing literacy, there is potential for significant improvements in students’ academic performance and critical thinking abilities, paving the way for a better future.
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