Two hundred teachers in Fiji are set to benefit from the first-ever Access Teacher Training Workshop, an important initiative funded by the United States. Launched by Stephanie Fitzmaurice, the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Public Affairs Officer, the workshop aims to bolster education and empower teachers across the nation.

Supported by a generous grant of US$40,000 (approximately FJD 92,000) awarded to the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) Youth Wing, the workshops focus specifically on literacy training aligned with Fiji’s new literacy curriculum for primary education.

Training sessions are being conducted at various centers in Suva, Rakiraki, and Nadi, ensuring that a wide range of educators have access to this valuable professional development opportunity. Distinguished facilitators include Dr. Doaa Rashed, an English Language Specialist from Rutgers University; Setareki Delana, Senior Curriculum Specialist from Fiji’s Ministry of Education; and Torika Jitoko, Literacy & Numeracy Coach with the Australia-Fiji Program Support Facility.

During her remarks at the launch, Fitzmaurice commended the teachers for their commitment, stating, “Your hard work and dedication are making a tangible difference in classrooms across Fiji. Together, let us continue to invest in education, inspire learning, and unlock new possibilities for Fiji’s youth.”

Additionally, the broader English Access Microscholarship Program complements this initiative, aiming to equip talented secondary school students globally with foundational English language skills. This impactful program has benefited over 200,000 students in more than 90 countries since its inception in 2004, fostering essential communication and leadership skills that open doors to educational and professional opportunities.

Overall, the Access Teacher Training Workshop represents a significant step toward enhancing educational standards in Fiji. By investing in teachers, the initiative lays the foundation for a more robust educational system that promises a brighter future for the nation’s youth and a stronger society. With such support, there is hope for transformative impacts on both teaching practices and student learning in Fiji.