The Ministry of Education has recently unveiled concerning statistics regarding teacher absenteeism in secondary schools across urban areas of Fiji from 2022 to 2024. This revelation, made by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro in response to an inquiry from Opposition MP Premila Kumar, highlights the detrimental effects of teacher absences on student education.
The reported absenteeism includes various leave types such as sick leave, personal leave, and maternity leave, which the ministry tracks through the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS). Schools are mandated to monitor teacher attendance closely, and it is stipulated that teachers who are absent for seven consecutive days are regarded as having resigned.
To address the issue, the Ministry has initiated a recovery plan that includes supplementary afternoon and Saturday classes to help students catch up. Despite these efforts, the persistent absenteeism of teachers remains a significant concern.
Paula Manumanunitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, emphasized the negative impact of frequent absenteeism on students’ academic performance. This disruption can lead to challenges in subjects like mathematics and reading, hinder student engagement, and cause behavioral issues among students. Furthermore, he highlighted that the increased workload on substitute teachers can lead to additional stress.
Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, voiced similar concerns, acknowledging that while teachers have the right to take leave, excessive absenteeism can lead to negative scholarly outcomes. Both union representatives stressed the necessity for teachers to remain within appropriate leave limits and to provide valid reasons for their absences.
To combat the issue, both unions have proposed various solutions, including hiring additional teachers, strategically relocating educators closer to their residences, and increasing salaries to meet the rising cost of living.
In summary, while the issue of teacher absenteeism poses challenges for the education system in Fiji, collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Education and teachers’ unions could pave the way for solutions that enhance educational outcomes for students. With a focus on responsibility and support for teachers, there is hope that the educational landscape can improve, ultimately benefiting the students affected by these disruptions.
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