Full-day kindergarten rolls out nationwide with flexibility and focus on equity

The Ministry of Education has officially rolled out a full-day kindergarten program across all 875 government-registered early childhood education centres, marking a milestone in Fiji’s commitment to equitable and quality foundational learning.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro told Parliament that the new policy, implemented on August 1, was designed with flexibility in mind and aims to give every five-year-old child a stronger start before entering Year 1.

“This new initiative is the outcome of the collaboration with UNICEF since 2021,” he said, “beginning with a sub-sector analysis that guided the changes now captured in the new Pre-Primary Education Policy which I had the honor of launching in April this year.”

While the rollout sparked some public debate over space and time management, Mr Radrodro said implementation had gone smoothly in most centres.

“Based on the data and reports received from all nine education districts, the Ministry is elated to announce the positive reception,” he said.

“From the 875 centres, only 7 have space and infrastructural limitations.”

The new program supports a full day of structured, play-based learning and reduces screen time while promoting motor, social, and emotional skills.

“This development also ensures that the 18, 325 pre-primary students are able to continue their early learning experience within a safe and structured school environment, rather than spending hours outside school after their morning sessions,” Mr Radrodro said.