IN 1997 the government proposed making education compulsory to ensure all children of school age attended classes.
While speaking at the opening of an eight-classroom block at Lautoka Central Primary School, Education Minister Filipe Bole said it was disheartening to learn that more than 10,000 children of primary school age were not in school that year because of parents’ lack of support and sheer negligence.
According to a report in The Fiji Times on November 4 that year, Mr Bole made the announcement while officially opening the $180,000 Gujrat Education Society-funded project.
“My ministry acknowledges the commendable efforts of the school management in financing the construction of this new extension,” he said.
“This is tangible evidence of the commitment of the school’s management committee to the education of our children.
“Parents should send their children to school when they reach the correct age.”
Major construction had taken place because of the growing demand for additional classroom spaces for children whose parents had moved to the West.
“It is a timely investment.
“I wish to commend the fine efforts of all who have been involved in the building projects.”
The building of the additional wing consolidated the partnership between the government and the Gujrat Education Society of Lautoka.
“This partnership ensures that education in the country continues to meet the changing needs of our young people.”
He noted that vernacular languages were being taught at the school.
Headteacher Ramesh Prasad was congratulated for implementing the cross-cultural program which Mr Bole initiated in 1987.
The cross-cultural language teaching program was implemented to try and bridge the gap between the different racial groups in the country.
“Until we can begin to talk about our problems in a common language, or in languages that are understood by all concerned, the gap of suspicion and misunderstanding will not be narrowed.”
The opening of the new classroom block marked a step in expanding school facilities in Lautoka.
At the same time, the minister stressed the need for compulsory education and stronger parental support to address the number of children not attending school.
