Paula Manumanunitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, is advocating for significant changes in the education system. He urges the Coalition Government and the Education Ministry to reconsider the no-repeat policy, suggesting it has negatively impacted student performance by promoting automatic advancement without accountability.
Manumanunitoga argues that this policy, in place since 2008-2009, is a key factor contributing to declining literacy and numeracy standards in Fiji, which has dropped from first to sixth or seventh place in the Pacific region. He noted that before the policy was implemented, parents willingly paid for their children to repeat grades, which fostered a greater sense of responsibility for student performance at home.
He believes removing the no-repeat policy could lower dropout rates in primary education, allowing for a stronger foundational education. He refers to previous comments from Lau Provincial Council chairperson Ratu Meli Saubulinayau, who highlighted that students advancing without solid skills in essential subjects such as math, reading, and writing face significant challenges.
The current state of education has raised important questions regarding the effectiveness of the system in preparing children for future success. Concerns have been raised about students entering high school as non-readers or slow readers, with discussions around systemic issues such as curriculum quality and textbook relevance.
In 2020, statements from educational leaders indicated ongoing issues and a need for assessment and intervention strategies. With historical investments in education, there is a pressing need to evaluate what changes are necessary to better support students.
Emphasizing the crucial role of foundational skills in education, Manumanunitoga calls for community involvement and dialogue on improving educational standards. He stresses the urgency to address these issues now, advocating for reforms that prioritize the educational welfare of children across the nation.
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