A concerning report from the government has revealed a significant number of students dropping out of school between 2019 and 2023, despite the implementation of a free education scheme. This issue has sparked immediate calls from Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, teachers’ unions, and the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship for parents, guardians, and stakeholders to emphasize the importance of education in Fiji.
During a recent parliamentary session, Mr. Radrodro reported that 5,726 students did not complete Year 10 in the past four years, equating to an average of 1,431 dropouts each year. Furthermore, 4,589 primary school students were not registered in schools during the same timeframe, according to data from the Ministry’s Fiji Education Management Information System Database (FEMIS). He noted that while specific reasons for these dropouts are not documented, known contributing factors include deaths, migration, transfers to private schools, and medical conditions.
In response to the rising dropout rates, the Ministry of Education has been collaborating with school leaders to conduct home visits and provide counseling to students deemed “at risk” to encourage them to remain in school. Various factors have been identified as contributing to the increasing dropout rates, including family breakdowns, migration, and the need for formal employment. Mr. Radrodro emphasized the necessity for a unified effort among government agencies, civil society, religious organizations, and families to combat this challenge.
To address the dropout issue, the Ministry has implemented several measures such as:
– Alternative pathways, including Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and micro-skills training.
– A Special Inclusive Education Grant (SIEG) for all eligible school-age children.
– Transport assistance for students.
– Provision of textbooks to reduce financial burdens.
– Access to extracurricular activities, including sports, cadet training, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The matter has provoked strong reactions from educational and religious organizations. Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teacher’s Union (FTU), alongside Paula Manumanunitoga of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA), has repeatedly advocated for immediate interventions to safeguard Fiji’s future. Reverend Simione Tugi, general secretary of the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, expressed his apprehensions, stating that the education of children is critical for Fiji’s leadership in the future. He warned against the potential consequences of high dropout rates, such as an increase in youth crime.
Reverend Tugi also emphasized the importance of strengthening family bonds to tackle the dropout crisis. He urged parents to devote more time to their children and pay attention to their needs, stressing the significance of taking advantages of the free school fees and transportation provided by the government. He called for families to ensure their children attend school for a more promising future for Fiji.