Education Act to be Reviewed
The ministry is looking for a highly qualified commissioner to lead this important body on a short-term, four-month contract.
Friday 21 February 2025 | 22:44
The Ministry of Education is going to review the Education Act.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro alluded to this during the opening of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) office at the Gurbachan Building (CJS) in Lautoka on Thursday.
“The Fiji Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Fiji Law Reform Commission, is undertaking a review of its 1966 Education Act, which had the Cabinet’s approval in September last year,” Mr Radrodro said.
Related stories
He added that with all intended purposes, it must align with the different educational statutory bodies that come under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.
Mr Radrodro added that to ensure the review is comprehensive and effective, a committee will be established to carry out the review.
The ministry is looking for a highly qualified commissioner to lead this important body on a short-term, four-month contract.
“The review of the 1966 Education Act is long overdue, and we need experts in the legal field to guide us in how to review or to help us in accommodating what we wish to have in there.
“Education has evolved, digital literacy is not in the Act, so that is something we need to incorporate. This is where we say you want to see education in the next 10, 20, and 50 years,” he said.
Mr Radrodro said that, similar to online learning, there were many gaps they are trying to address. He added that only a legal expert could help determine how best their revised act would accommodate and incorporate these issues.
He said that, starting next year, the starting age for Class One is five years old.
“The reality on the ground is different some are going to school at four-years-old for Early Childhood Education (ECE). Right now, they are not recognised because the Act is limiting.”
“These are the things that we are noting on the ground, so it needs to be incorporated in our Education Act otherwise.”
The commission will play a pivotal leadership role in guiding the review committee through this complex process.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
