Fiji’s education system is facing growing pressure from teacher shortages, low pay and unequal access to school resources, with concerns raised in Parliament over widening gaps between urban and rural schools.
Opposition MP Hem Chand raised the issue yesterday saying Fiji continued to face a serious shortage of teachers in key subject areas, with many leaving the country for better paid opportunities overseas.
He said the ministry had acknowledged difficulties in retaining teachers because of overseas recruitment pressures.
“This creates inequality in educational opportunities between urban and rural students.
“A child’s future should not depend on whether they live in Suva or in a remote maritime or interior community,” he said.
He also raised concerns over teacher pay and incentives, saying salaries had not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
He warned that low pay was affecting morale, retention and the overall quality of education delivered in classrooms.
Mr Chand also highlighted ongoing challenges in school infrastructure, including limited access to ICT equipment, unreliable electricity and poor internet connectivity in some areas.
“We cannot speak about modernising education while many classrooms still lack the basic tools necessary for effective teaching and learning.”
He called for urgent reforms focusing on teacher welfare, including improved salaries, timely payment of allowances, better rural incentives and stronger investment in school resources.
