The Ministry of Education in Fiji has unveiled concerning statistics regarding teacher absenteeism from 2022 to 2024, highlighting the potential negative impact on students’ educational experiences. During a session with Opposition MP Premila Kumar, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro shared specific figures pertaining to secondary school teachers in urban areas of the country.
The reported absences include various types of leave—such as sick leave, personal time off, and maternity leave. Attendance is monitored through the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS), requiring schools to diligently track teacher absences. According to Mr. Radrodro, school leaders are tasked with closely monitoring this attendance, and a teacher who is absent for seven consecutive days is deemed to have resigned.
In response to the absenteeism crisis, the Ministry has initiated a recovery plan that incorporates additional afternoon and Saturday classes for students to help them catch up on missed lessons. Nevertheless, the persistent issue of teacher absenteeism poses a significant challenge for the education system.
Paula Manumanunitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, voiced concerns about the adverse effects on student performance. He indicated that frequent teacher absences disrupt instruction, particularly in crucial subjects like math and reading, thereby diminishing student engagement. Furthermore, this issue can lead to behavioral challenges and heightened stress levels for teachers who must cover for absent colleagues.
Mr. Manumanunitoga, who has over a decade of experience as a school principal, argued that while teachers have the right to take leave, it is paramount for them to recognize the importance of their presence for the sake of student development. Similarly, Muniappa Gounder, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that while teachers are entitled to take leave, some may exceed reasonable boundaries.
Both unions have proposed several potential solutions, including the hiring of additional teachers, relocating educators closer to their homes, and increasing salaries to accommodate the rising cost of living.
In conclusion, while there are challenges regarding teacher absenteeism that require immediate and concerted efforts to resolve, the Ministry of Education’s proactive approach to providing additional support for students demonstrates a commitment to improving educational outcomes. Through collaboration between the government, teacher unions, and communities, there is hope for a more stable teaching environment that can enhance student learning moving forward.
Leave a comment