The Ministry of Education has reported alarming statistics on teacher absenteeism from 2022 to 2024, prompting urgent discussions about its effects on student education in Fiji. During a parliamentary session, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro shared data concerning secondary school teachers specifically in urban areas, highlighting a significant challenge for the educational system.
The absenteeism data encompasses various categories of leave, such as sick leave, personal leave, and maternity leave. Attendance tracking is conducted through the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS), which mandates schools to record teacher absences. Notably, in cases where a teacher is absent for seven consecutive days, this is classified as a resignation, as emphasized by Mr. Radrodro.
In response to the concerns raised, the Ministry has proactively initiated a recovery plan. This involves implementing additional classes in the afternoons and on Saturdays to help students make up for lost time. Despite these efforts, teacher absenteeism continues to pose a considerable challenge.
The issue has drawn attention from educational stakeholders, including Paula Manumanunitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, who noted the negative impact of frequent teacher absences on students’ academic performance. He observed that disruptions in lessons particularly affect foundational skills in subjects such as mathematics and reading, which can lead to broader behavioral and motivational issues among students. This situation is especially acute in urban schools where class sizes tend to be larger.
Echoing these concerns, Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, has called attention to the need for responsible leave practices among teachers, while also acknowledging that excessive absenteeism negatively influences student performance. Both unions have proposed several solutions, including increasing the number of teachers, relocating educators closer to their homes, and enhancing salaries to accommodate the rising cost of living.
Overall, while teacher absenteeism presents significant challenges, the ministry’s commitment to addressing these issues through recovery initiatives and collaborative solutions from teachers’ unions offers hope for improving the educational experience for students in Fiji.
Summary: The Ministry of Education in Fiji has revealed concerning statistics on teacher absenteeism that threaten student learning. Minister Aseri Radrodro detailed the extent of absences, attributed to various types of leave, and introduced recovery plans to mitigate educational setbacks. Stakeholders from teachers’ unions emphasized the importance of teachers’ presence for effective learning while recommending strategies to address the issue. Though challenges remain, there is a collective effort to enhance the educational landscape in Fiji.
Leave a comment