THE Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) is urging Government ministers to experience firsthand the challenges faced by schools in remote areas to better understand the realities of education in those communities.
FTA president Netani Druavesi made the call while opening the association’s Annual Delegates Conference, saying decisions were often made based on second-hand information rather than lived experience.
Mr Druavesi said if leaders spent a day in rural and maritime schools, they would better grasp the gravity of issues facing students and teachers.
“Our national budgets have focused heavily on individual assistance programs, such as free education and back-to-school packages,” Mr Druavesi said.
“While infrastructure and logistic support for rural and remote schools, including those in Kadavu, Lau, Lomaiviti and Rotuma, remain inadequate.”
He urged policy-makers to visit communities and witness disparities affecting rural and mostly indigenous students, stressing the importance of preserving iTaukei culture and education systems to reduce early dropouts and youth unemployment.
Citing Section 26 of the 2013 Constitution and Article 2 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Mr Druavesi said indigenous students needed iTaukei teachers to strengthen language, cultural, and religious education from early childhood.
“Remembering an unfair motto of George Orwell’s Animal Farm teaches us, quote, ‘All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others’, unquote.
“Our iTaukei community, served with early childhood education and early primary will need indigenous iTaukei teachers to reinforce iTaukei language teaching, culture, and religion so that they are not deprived from the opportunity to learn their heritage and culture early in life.”
Mr Druavesi also acknowledged the efforts of Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, saying the minister had shown dedication and collaboration in improving the teaching and learning environment with the resources available.