On The Fiji Times of February 22, 1972 the then Fiji government was contemplating to have free education.
Minister for Education and Social Services Jonati Mavoa said ten years free education for every child in Fiji was among the objectives of Fiji’s long-term educational policy.
But Mr Mavoa said he did not expect to see some of the policy’s objectives realised until possibly in the mid 1980s.
The first aim was to provide at least 10 years education from class one to class six in primary school and form one to form four students who showed ability to cope at a higher level.
Quality
An improvement in the quality of students admitted to teachers’ colleges and in the quality of teacher education programs generally was planned, he said.
The next objective would be to have all primary schools fully trained teachers and a more acceptable public teacher ratio achieved in all schools.
There were plans for an improvement in the quality of both primary and secondary education, partly by increasing the supply of books, teaching aids and equipment to schools and partly by continuing to improve curriculums and examinations.
Gap
Mr Mavoa said another aim was to make education free, first for classes one to six and then for forms one to four.
A reduction in the present gap between the educational attainment of Fijians and that of other races was sought, he said.
Technical and vocational education would be developed to meet Fiji’s increasing need for skilled tradesmen and technicians.
Finance
The government planned to take over full financial responsibility for all schools willing to hand over that responsibility.
Mr Mavoa said that if young people were to be adequately equipped and have an opportunity to develop fully their personalities, potential and capabilities, it could only be brought about through education.
