The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) is demanding a national commitment to safe, well resourced and dignified learning environments from the Government.
Speaking at the opening of the 96th FTU Annual Conference in Ba, union president Sashi Mahendra Shandil said current learning environments such as crowded classrooms and old buildings were “demoralising”.
Mr Shandil said a teacher’s work was shaped by the conditions in which students learned.
“Overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated buildings, lack of basic resources, poor sanitation, inadequate transport in rural areas — these degrade learning and demoralise staff.
“We demand a national commitment to safe, well-resourced, and dignified learning environments. Class sizes must be manageable.
“Schools must have libraries, laboratories, and technology with feasible and functioning water and sanitation systems.
“Support staff such as counsellors, teacher aides, maintenance personnel are not luxuries, but they are essential to quality education.”
Mr Shandil said a teacher’s career progression must also be guaranteed and not used as a tool for bureaucracy.
“Too often promotion is slowed by bureaucracy, subjective evaluation, or criteria divorced from classroom reality.
“Teachers must see clear pathways for professional growth, access to meaningful and relevant professional development, and recognition for teaching excellence.
“Continuous learning opportunities, that are well-funded, accessible, and tied to career advancement, will keep teachers engaged and growing.
“We reject tokenistic training that is neither practical nor resourced.”
The FTU president added teacher wellbeing and workplace safety must be a priority of the current Government.
“Exposure to violence, abuse, or chronic stress without institutional support undermines teachers’ ability to perform.
“We insist on robust well-being programs such as counselling services, proactive anti-violence policies, clear mechanisms for reporting and addressing harassment, and health provisions that protect educators and their families.”
