FIJI Teachers Union general secretary Muniappa Goundar says students must first learn to read and understand English before they should sign up to learn a foreign language.
Mr Goundar told The Fiji Times yesterday students would need to master the foundation of literacy in schools first before learning other languages such as Chinese.
The Ministry of Education Ministry had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Government this week to implement a new Chinese language program in the curriculum.
Mr Goundar said the weakness in the education system lay in the areas of literacy and numeracy.
“The ministry has given the leeway for the Chinese Government to introduce the usage of Chinese language in our schools,” Mr Goundar said. “Who are the people who will teach the language?
“They may have done due diligence in that regard, if they signed an agreement there. Maybe the Chinese Government will get their own people, financial aid to the ministry, then it is fine.
“Because having a bit more languages in our classroom is going to do well for education as well. But the problem lies within the areas of literacy and numeracy.
“Children need to master the foundation of literacy in years 1, 2 and 3 because that is what will help them comprehend later at primary level and then in secondary school.”
Mr Goundar said Fiji was one of the top countries with good literacy and numeracy rates over the years, but it now ranked 7th in the Pacific.
“I don’t have much information on whether the Chinese language will be open to all students, but it is very important to know that our children need to understand things that are learnt in school, especially those who are already struggling with the vernacular subjects and, of course, English.
“Please teach the students to read and understand, not just read.”
