“Education must prepare students for life, not exams.”
That was the message from Education Minister Aseri Radrodro as he officially opened the 2025 National Education Forum in Suva yesterday, the first such gathering in nearly a decade.
“The last education forum was held in 2016,” Mr Radrodro said.
“This reconvening today fulfills a legal obligation under Part III, Section 4 of the Education Act 1966.”
He said reviving the forum marked a return to transparent, inclusive and participatory decision-making in the sector after it was discontinued under the previous government.
“This signals our commitment to shaping the future of education in the region,” he said, linking the forum’s goals to Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the regional VEG draft.
Key areas under discussion include curriculum reform, teacher development, access equity, and data-driven planning.
Despite recent challenges, Mr Radrodro said Fiji’s education system had shown resilience through collaboration.
“Through collaboration with families, teachers, partners, and communities, we have not only adapted, we have thrived.”
He urged participants to fully engage, challenge assumptions and help build a more inclusive system.
The forum brings together educators, government officials, and civil society groups to shape the next phase of reform.
