Focus on employability, says Minister for Education Premila Kumar.

She made this point on Monday at the Suva Special School when the media questioned her about a student who received the highest mark of 395/400 but did not receive a scholarship to study medicine.

When questioned if the Ministry would consider giving a scholarship, Ms Kumar said that we needed to focus on areas where there was employment.

“And this is the problem we are facing in the teaching fraternity,” she said.

“And the discussions are going on everywhere that I am a graduate and still waiting for a job.

“There are certain areas I am recommending to Year 13 students, if you want to become a teacher please do not study in this area.

“English, Biology, Chemistry, Accounting, Economics, please do not study in that area.

“What we need is more Maths and Physics teachers, special and inclusive education teachers and we need a lot more teachers in primary school.

“We have also seen that sometimes students get carried away, even though the parents are paying for it but they normally go with their friends and then try and opt for the easiest degree and get a paper at the end of the day.

“So we need to look at employability and whether they can find a job or not.”

Feedback: sheenal.kumar@fijisun.com.fj