THE Fiji Head Teachers Association (FHTA) is calling for a strengthened human resources section within the Ministry of Education to provide more effective and timely support to teachers and heads of schools.
Speaking at the 43rd FHTA annual conference, FHTA president Johnson Rura said the ministry needed a human resources section staffed by officers with in-depth knowledge of schools across Fiji.
“Such a department must be responsive, professional and proactive, ensuring that teachers and heads of schools receive the support they need without unnecessary delays,” he said.
Mr Rura also raised concerns about repatriation arrangements for deceased education officers.
He said the association had lost 14 members since its last conference and the number of teachers dying continued to increase each year.
“This is a painful reality for our association.
“As an employer, the ministry has rightly paid travelling allowances when we are posted to new schools.
“We respectfully submit that the same principle should apply if the Almighty calls one of our officers to rest while still serving under the Ministry of Education at their work station.
“We, therefore, call for clear and consistent implementation of ministry-funded repatriation arrangements for deceased education officers.”
Mr Rura said the process would ensure grieving families and colleagues were not placed under additional financial pressure during an already difficult time.
“We understand that a draft policy has already gone through its first consultation.”
Mr Rura appealed to the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro to ensure the policy was implemented during his tenure.
FHTA president Johnson Rura speaking at the 43rd FHTA annual conference
Picture : Ministry of Education FIJI
