Primary school teachers across the country can expect a pay rise in the 2022- 2023 National Budget announcement.

There was a hint from the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Premila Kumar when she officiated at the Fiji Head Teachers Association annual conference 2022 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau yesterday.

“I want to thank the head teachers as well as the teachers because we appreciate the work you do in primary schools,” she said.

She believes that secondary teachers are not working hard compared to primary school teachers.

“In my view, you all are working harder than the secondary school and this must be recognised here. I am here to make this a reality,” Ms Kumar said.

“There should be no differentiation in the pay. Primary School teachers should be paid more.”

She added that her job was to make sure teachers’ welfare was taken into consideration.

“I have to make sure that I have placed proposals on your behalf to the Ministry of Economy for consideration and I have just done that. Let’s cross our fingers and wait for the budget announcements,” the Education Minister said.

On the other hand, she added teachers must understand that we have just come out of the two years of pandemic and COVID-19 is on a rise once again.

“It is has been a difficult two years and there’s a lot of juggling that needs to be done. So let’s wait and see what comes up.”

Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will deliver the National Budget on July 15.

Mrs Kumar also revealed that the Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will be making a presentation on education at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 77) September 13-27 at New York City, USA.

“It will not be on climate change but it is on education,” she said.

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