The Ministry of Education was presented with concerns regarding the shortage of primary school teachers during the Naitasiri Provincial Council meeting held yesterday in Tamavua Village, Suva. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the issue, stating that it has been affecting various schools in the province.
Mr. Radrodro indicated that the current teacher shortages are a legacy issue faced by the Coalition Government. In response, the ministry has initiated efforts to recruit secondary school teacher graduates who are open to teaching at the primary level.
He also noted specific concerns regarding the need for teachers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. The ministry plans to collaborate with the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board (TSLS) in the next calendar year to enhance the recruitment of teacher trainees.
Mr. Radrodro encouraged students to aspire for more than what is confined within their classrooms. He urged them to remain focused on their objectives and to keep faith as they pursue their goals, emphasizing that opportunities are always present.
The Naitasiri Provincial Council meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to address the educational challenges in the region.