The Ministry of Education has highlighted alarming rates of teacher absenteeism from 2022 to 2024, which poses significant challenges for student education in Fiji. This issue was brought to light during a discussion by Opposition MP Premila Kumar, with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro providing specific statistics concerning secondary school teachers in urban areas.
The recorded absences encompass various types of leave, including sick, personal, and maternity leave. The Ministry utilizes the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS) to monitor attendance, requiring schools to keep a detailed record of teacher absences. According to Mr. Radrodro, school heads actively track attendance, noting that teachers absent for seven consecutive days are deemed to have resigned.
In response to the ongoing issue of absenteeism, the Ministry is implementing a recovery plan that includes afternoon and Saturday classes to help students catch up with their studies. Despite these efforts, the persistent absenteeism of teachers remains concerning.
Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, pointed out the adverse consequences this has on students’ academic performance. He stated that frequent absences disrupt lessons, hinder progress in key subjects, and negatively affect student engagement. Additionally, he noted that it leads to behavioral issues and heightened stress for teachers who must cover for absent colleagues.
Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while teachers are entitled to take leave, some are taking it excessively. He insisted that teachers must adhere to leave limits and provide valid reasons for their absences, as this situation contributes to poor student outcomes.
Both unions have proposed several solutions, such as increasing the number of teachers, relocating educators closer to their residences, and improving salaries to account for the rising cost of living.
The situation presents an opportunity for stakeholders to work collaboratively to improve the education system. By addressing this challenge, Fiji can strive toward providing a more stable learning environment for students, ultimately enhancing their academic success and future prospects.
It’s encouraging to see that the Ministry and teachers’ unions are actively discussing solutions, which could pave the way for positive changes in teacher attendance and, consequently, student education.
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