Move is underway to encourage the development of physical education in schools around the country. This was revealed by the Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou indicating that they are working closely with the ministries of Education, Health, Women and Children.

“The Ministry of Education with support from UNESCO is developing quality physical education,” Tuitubou said.

“It is critically important that we use PE to help our young children develop skills, hand-eye coordination and balance as well as to help their physiques develop. We hope that this will be encouraged in primary schools and sport and competition likely to happen in secondary schools.”

Tuitubou said it would take time to reach this situation as they may need to consider creating PE teachers who are not necessarily PEMAC teachers. He hopes that PE would become an examinable subject in the curriculum but that is for the Minister of Education to decide.

“We all know the benefits of physical activity in physical and mental well-being and in teaching our children about rules, team work and winning and losing with humility. These are all good lessons for life.”

Tuitubou said with the promotion of PE, they are working towards addressing the promise made by Government that all Fijians will learn to swim.

He pointed out the Ministry of Health is taking the lead with the cooperation of the relevant ministries as well.

“We are hoping to announce the new initiative with the support of Oceania and Fiji Swimming but more of that at the appropriate time. We also hope to announce other initiative led by the ministries along with Sports Commission and organistions for sport for persons with disabilities. This is in line with Government’s commitment to leaving no-one behind.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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