Constitutional literacy should be made compulsory in all educational institutions to equip young people with the knowledge needed to actively participate in Fiji’s democracy, the National Youth Council has told the Constitution Review Commission.
In its submission, the council called for constitutional changes to make civic education, constitutional literacy, leadership, political participation, and health and well-being compulsory in schools and other educational institutions.
Presenting the submission, Severo Biaukula said many young people were leaving school without the knowledge needed to actively participate in the country’s democracy.
“A democratic society cannot function properly if citizens do not understand their rights, responsibilities, institutions and laws,” he said.
Mr Biaukula also raised concerns about students progressing through the education system without basic literacy and numeracy skills.
“When a student reaches high levels of schooling without being able to read, write or count at an age-appropriate level, that is not simply an individual failure, it is a system failure.”
He said the Constitution should support early identification of learning needs, remedial support, inclusive education, and flexible pathways that prioritise mastery of basic skills.
Mr Biaukula said civic education should be treated as a national priority.
“Young people should be taught how democracy works, how to participate respectfully, how to advocate for their communities and how to hold leaders accountable without violence, hatred or division,” he said.
The council also called for health and well-being to be recognised as a compulsory part of education, saying young people were facing increasing challenges related to mental health, substance abuse, lifestyle diseases, reproductive health, cyber safety, and social pressures.
