Fifty early childhood educators in Fiji are set to relocate for more lucrative teaching positions by the end of the month, according to Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary of the Fijian Teachers’ Association.
Manumanunitoga reported that these teachers have received job offers from Australia, which promise them permanent residency after three years. He highlighted that last year saw the departure of 100 qualified early childhood education teachers from Fiji.
The Association expressed strong disapproval of utilizing final-year tertiary students to fill vacant positions in the education sector. Furthermore, Manumanunitoga indicated that if a strike occurs next week, it is likely that parents will support the teachers, as the issue is becoming increasingly serious. He criticized the lack of responsiveness from Minister Biman Prasad and the Prime Minister on this matter.
Currently, teachers in Fiji earn between $14,000 to $18,000 annually, while those who move to Australia can expect salaries ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 in Australian dollars.