The General Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, Paula Manumanunitoga, is urging the Public Service Commission to take immediate action. He highlighted ongoing issues with classroom buildings at three schools in the North: Valelawa Primary School, Yadua Village School, and Laucala District School, which have not been resolved for several years.
Mr. Manumanunitoga pointed out that some students are still learning in tents, stressing the urgent need for intervention as both students and teachers are facing hardships. He called out the Minister for Education and his Permanent Secretary to find a prompt solution, emphasizing the importance of political will from the government.
He insisted that it is the minister’s responsibility to ensure that his permanent secretary implements his directives. Mr. Manumanunitoga also appealed for collaboration between the Minister and the Permanent Secretary’s office, noting that existing disputes between these offices are significantly harming the education system in Fiji.
The unresolved issues include delays in free education grants, appointments and contracts for teachers and school support staff, a shortage of teachers, and pending salary upgrades. An email sent on October 2 to the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, and his Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca, regarding the ongoing use of tents for classes three to six at Valelawa Primary School has yet to receive a response.