The Ministry of Education has unveiled concerning statistics regarding teacher absenteeism from 2022 to 2024, prompting urgent discussions about its implications for student education in Fiji. During a query posed by Opposition MP Premila Kumar, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro shared data highlighting absentee rates among secondary school teachers in urban regions across the country.
The revealed statistics encompass various forms of leave, including sick, personal, and maternity leave. The Ministry utilizes the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS) to diligently monitor teacher attendance, mandating that schools keep records of teacher absences. Minister Radrodro emphasized that school leaders are vigilant in tracking attendance and noted that any teacher absent for seven consecutive days is deemed to have resigned.
In a bid to mitigate these challenges, the Ministry has rolled out a recovery plan that features afternoon and Saturday classes, allowing students to make up for lost learning time. Despite these efforts, the persistent problem of teacher absenteeism continues to pose a significant challenge.
Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary for the Fijian Teachers Association, acknowledged the adverse repercussions on students’ academic performance. He stated that frequent teacher absences disrupt learning continuity, particularly in critical subjects like math and reading, and can lead to issues such as behavioral problems and decreased motivation among students, as well as increased stress for teachers who have to cover for their absent colleagues.
With over a decade of experience as a school principal, Manumanunitoga highlighted that absenteeism tends to be more detrimental in urban schools where class sizes are larger. He urged educators to recognize the importance of their presence in the classroom, despite their entitlements to leave.
Moreover, Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, voiced similar concerns, noting that while teachers are entitled to leave, some may be taking excessive time off. He urged teachers to adhere to leave limits and provide valid reasons for their absences, suggesting that excessive absenteeism contributes to poor student performance. Both unions called for potential resolutions, including hiring additional teachers, relocating them closer to their residences, and increasing salaries in response to the rising cost of living.
As the challenges of teacher absenteeism are addressed, it presents an opportunity for schools and educational authorities to collaborate on solutions that ensure consistent learning for students. By fostering a supportive environment for teachers and providing necessary resources, the education system can reinforce its commitment to student success and well-being.
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