While in London for the 52nd Session of the International Sugar Organisation, Prime Minister Bainimarama met with Nick Gibb.

Mr Gibb is the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for School Standards and Equalities. They met to discuss education in Fiji and the plans for the upcoming 20th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM).

Mr Gibb expressed the UK’s excitement about the 20th CCEM, set for next February in Nadi. The Prime Minister acknowledged the confidence placed in Fiji by the Commonwealth countries to be chosen as the first-ever Pacific Island host of this high-profile gathering of leaders in education from around the globe.

Their discussion also highlighted Fiji’s recent progress in educational reform, from the constitutionally-enshrined provision of free primary and secondary schooling to expanded scholarships and increased technology in the classroom.

“Fiji’s literacy status– at 96– is a great achievement,” said Gibb, adding that the UK shares a recent literacy achievement of its own.

Mr Gibb explained that his government has implemented a Phonics Test for six-year-olds aimed at improving their reading and spoken English, and since the program’s inception in 2014, the literacy level of young test-takers has improved dramatically.

Recognising that students in other Commonwealth countries could benefit from similar initiatives, the UK volunteered to do a model training of the programme at the 20th CCEM in Fiji.

The official website for the 20th CCEM in Fiji can be visited at http://www.20ccem.gov.fj/

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