Survey finds Fijian children lagging in basic reading, math skills

A recent survey has revealed that many Fijian children aged 8 to 14 lack basic reading and math skills expected by the end of Year 2. Alarmingly, some children had still not reached these levels even by age 14.

The findings from the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey have raised serious concerns within the Ministry of Education and among educators.

In response, a four-year programme worth US$5 million (FJ$11.4 million) was launched yesterday to support struggling early learners and address the national assessment results showing most students falling behind in literacy and numeracy.

The ‘Yavutu’ Programme, meaning “foundation” in Fijian, will focus on children from pre-primary to Year 3, following assessments that revealed most Year 5 and Year 7 students scored in the lower bands for reading and math.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro said the early years are critical for building literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills.

“Yet, we know that too many of our children are falling behind before they even have a chance to begin,” he said at the launch at Tanoa Hotel, Suva.

The 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey showed many children aged 8 to 14 lacked basic reading and math skills expected by the end of Year 2. Some had still not reached those levels even by age 14.

These weak foundations lead to poor performance in later years. In 2022, 38 per cent of Year 8 students failed their national examination and nearly 60 per cent failed math.

“Rather than reinventing the wheel, Yavutu strengthens and connects what already exists, aligning national reforms, supporting local ownership, and linking classrooms, teacher training institutions, and ministry systems,” Mr Radrodro said.

The programme, funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and supported by UNICEF with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will provide hands-on training for teachers and better classroom resources.

UNICEF Pacific’s Deputy Representative Anna Smeby said teachers will have the training, tools, and support they need to create inclusive, engaging, and play-based learning environments.

By 2029, the programme aims to ensure children, especially girls, children with disabilities, and those in remote communities, develop strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and math to succeed through later grades.

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