The Ministry of Education has recently disclosed concerning statistics about teacher absenteeism from 2022 to 2024, which poses a significant threat to the quality of education for students in Fiji. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro shared these figures following a query from Opposition MP Premila Kumar, focusing specifically on secondary school teachers in urban areas.
The data reflects various types of leave taken by teachers, including sick leave, personal leave, maternity leave, and others. The Ministry oversees attendance through the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS), mandating that schools monitor teacher absences closely. As per ministerial guidelines, teachers who are absent for seven consecutive days are deemed to have resigned.
Recognizing the urgent need to support student learning, the Ministry has initiated a recovery plan offering additional afternoon and Saturday classes to help students make up for missed lessons. However, the persistent trend of teacher absenteeism remains a critical challenge.
Paula Manumanunitoga, General Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, highlighted the negative impact absenteeism has on students, particularly in subjects requiring consistent engagement, like mathematics and reading. He noted that disruptions in lessons can hinder academic performance and may lead to behavioral issues and a decline in motivation among students. This concern is amplified in urban schools where class sizes are often larger.
Muniappa Gounder, the General Secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while teachers have the right to take leave, it is crucial that they adhere to reasonable limits and provide legitimate reasons for their absences. Both union representatives voiced their worries that excessive absenteeism contributes to poor educational outcomes and urged teachers to fulfill their responsibilities.
To address this issue, both unions have recommended potential solutions, such as hiring additional teachers, relocating teachers to be closer to their homes, and increasing salaries to align with the rising cost of living.
Despite the challenges presented by teacher absenteeism, the Ministry’s proactive measures and the unions’ calls for responsible attendance suggest a commitment to improving the educational environment in Fiji. By working collaboratively and emphasizing the importance of consistent teacher presence, there is hope for enhanced student outcomes in the future.
In summary, while teacher absenteeism poses serious concerns, the recognition of the problem and the potential solutions being discussed indicate a pathway towards improvement in the educational landscape of Fiji.
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