In announcing the 2018-2019 National Budget last night, the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, noted that Government upheld education as the most effective pathway to growing the economy, enriching the Fijian society and advancing the upward mobility of the Fijian people.

The budget has also provided for the intake of 250 more teachers within the system – 200 for primary schools and 50 for secondary schools.

Scholarships for special needs students to allow them access to recognised tertiary institutions have also been budgeted for special needs students.

Money has also been set aside for a new range of school counselling services. $300,000 has been allocated for this.

This initiative is in response to concerns by students about the lack of qualified counsellors in schools.

Qualified counsellors will be recruited in each education district.

Also $50,000 has been allocated for the training and capacity building of school librarians.

All teachers’ quarters country wide will be repaired. $700,000 has been budgeted for this. This will ensure the welfare of teachers posted to rural and remote schools is looked after.  

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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