Calls for flexible schooling models raised in Constitution review

The review of the 2013 Constitution has raised new ideas about how education can reach more children, especially in rural and island communities.

During a consultation, the Ministry of Education shared concerns about overcrowding in urban schools.

Deputy Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Timoci Bure, said many families were moving to towns and cities. As a result, schools in urban areas were becoming too full.

He explained that this movement is also causing social problems and putting pressure on teachers, as the number of students per teacher continues to grow.

Mr Bure suggested that the Constitution should give the Ministry more freedom to try new ideas. These include setting up small “infant schools” for younger children or allowing homeschooling in some communities.

He said smaller and more flexible schools could help children in remote areas get an education without needing to move to the city.

This, he added, could reduce the number of people moving into informal settlements and ease overcrowding in urban schools.

Responding to these ideas, Constitution Commissioner Unaisi Bobo said that education systems must continue to change over time. She noted that traditional schools do not always meet the needs of every child.

Mrs Bobo explained that while the suggestions are important, not everything can be included in the Constitution. Some ideas, she said, might be better placed in education laws or regulations instead.

She also pointed out that in past decades, alternative education systems existed, but new solutions are needed today.

She asked for more clarity on the difference between early childhood education and the proposed infant schools.

In response, Mr Bure said that both infant schools and homeschooling are not currently included in the Constitution.

He said the Ministry wants these options recognised so they can confidently apply them in the education system.

However, he also noted that there have been no legal cases where children without access to education have taken the Government to court.

The discussion highlights ongoing efforts to improve access to education across Fiji, especially as population movement continues to affect schools in urban areas.