Fifty early childhood teachers are set to leave for higher-paying teaching positions by the end of this month, according to Paula Manumanunitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers’ Association. Manumanunitoga reported that this group of teachers has received job offers from Australia, where they are promised permanent residency after three years. He noted that last year, 100 qualified early childhood education teachers also left the country in search of better opportunities.
The Fijian Teachers’ Association strongly opposes the plan to use final-year tertiary students to fill vacancies. Manumanunitoga warned that if a strike occurs next week, he believes many parents will join the teachers in protest, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. He criticized the government, stating that both Biman Prasad and the Prime Minister have not adequately addressed their concerns.
Teachers in Fiji currently earn between $14,000 to $18,000 annually, while those who relocate to Australia can expect salaries ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 in Australian dollars.