Pacific youth rise for education justice
Fiji Teachers Association youth coordinator Kelera Tinai said young educators face shared struggles that demand solidarity.
Monday 27 October 2025 | 21:00
Young Pacific teachers at the Council of Pacific Education and Education International 5th Youth Training Programme at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel in Nadi on October 27, 2025.
Photo: Katherine Naidu
Young teachers across the Pacific have declared a united stand for education justice, demanding stronger representation, equity and leadership within their unions and schools.
This was pledged at the Council of Pacific Education (COPE) and Education International (EI) 5th Youth Training Programme at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel in Nadi yesterday.
The theme Unite, Lead, Go Public: Youth Power for Education Justice, captures a movement determined to make youth voices impossible to ignore.
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Young Pacific teachers at the Council of Pacific Education and Education International 5th Youth Training Programme at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel in Nadi on October 27, 2025.
Photo: Katherine Naidu
The participants are shaping a regional youth strategy aimed at empowering the next generation of education leaders. Australian Education Union federal secretary, Nicole Calnan, said that the initiative was born out of a clear need for change.
“COPE realised there was a gap, young members needed to be involved to shape the future of our organisations,” Ms Calnan said.
“This workshop is about building capacity, sharing challenges and ensuring our unions are stronger together.”
For Fiji, the call is particularly urgent. Fiji Teachers Association (FTA), youth coordinator Kelera Tinai said young educators face shared struggles that demand solidarity.
“This platform empowers our youths to share experiences and build a resilient Pacific network,” Ms Tinai said.
“We want a movement that is informed, confident and ready to face the realities of the teaching profession.”
Samoa National Teachers Association president, Aukuso Ualesi, said the true union strength lies in youth leadership. “This is about confidence and courage, building youths who can stand strong for their unions and for their calling as teachers,” Mr Ualesi said.
Delegates are drafting a three year strategic plan to keep Pacific youth connected and united beyond the workshop. It is a bold step toward transforming education advocacy across island nations.
Feedback: katherine.naidu@fijisun. com.fj
