The lead story in The Fiji Times for Monday, October 28, addresses concerns over Fiji’s education standards, particularly in light of the no-repeat policy. Paula Manumanuitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, has called for the repeal of this policy, arguing that it has contributed to a significant decline in the nation’s literacy and numeracy rates.
Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), Fiji’s largest telecommunications firm, has also expressed worries regarding the emergence of Low Earth Orbit satellite Internet services and their implications for data sovereignty. This comes as Vodafone Fiji, the company’s subsidiary, joins the ranks of certified resellers for Starlink, a leading LEO provider.
Manumanuitoga emphasizes that the automatic promotion of students, a result of the no-repeat policy, has undermined academic performance and led to poor assessment results. Research indicates that Fiji has dropped from its historical top position in literacy and numeracy in the Pacific to sixth and seventh place, respectively. He noted that prior to the policy’s implementation around 2008-2009, parents were more proactive in monitoring their children’s academic progress, as they were willing to pay fees for students to repeat classes if necessary.
The introduction of the no-repeat policy has, according to Manumanuitoga, diminished parents’ sense of responsibility for their children’s performance, as students are automatically moved up a grade regardless of their actual abilities. He believes that eliminating this policy could potentially decrease the number of dropouts at the primary level and improve foundational skills in subjects like math, reading, and writing.
Similar sentiments were echoed earlier this year by Lau Provincial Council chairperson Ratu Meli Saubulinayau, who highlighted the issue of students advancing without having mastered essential skills. The ongoing state of education in Fiji raises important questions about whether adequate support and resources are being provided to prepare children for their futures.
In recent years, concerns have been voiced about the literacy skills of incoming high school students. The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly analyzing data to address it. As discussions around education continue, it is crucial for the community to reflect on the current system, engage in meaningful conversations, and consider necessary reforms to foster a strong educational foundation for future generations.
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