Education HR Under Spotlight for Transfer Confusion
Teachers claim that they had no prior notice from the ministry that they had been replaced in a school they have been serving in over the past six years.
Friday 02 February 2024 | 09:41
Nakasi High School principal Praveen Chand with Year 9 students during first day of school on January 30, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Poor communication within the Ministry of Education's human resources department has left teachers confused while awaiting transfers.
Some teachers turned up at their respective schools on Monday only to find out they had been replaced without prior notice from the ministry
This is one of the major grievances the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) and Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) received since school resumed on Tuesday.
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FTA general secretary, Paula Manumanunitoga said they have received eight reports from their members in Vanua Levu and over 100 complaints for Viti Levu.
Teachers claim that they had no prior notice from the ministry that they had been replaced in a school they have been serving in over the past six years.
Mr Manumanunitoga said that poor coordination underscored the need for better communication between unions, ministry and teachers.
Year 9 students Oof Nakasi High School during first day of school on January 30, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
"The ministry has about two or a month to sort all this, to tell and notify teachers if they'll be replaced."
A school teacher who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: "I came to school on Monday, only to find out I was already replaced."
"No warning or notice of any such."
Another teacher said: "We're not laid off but ... the ministry has replaced us without warning and they are not renewing our appointments.... so we're forced to go back home and wait."
Minister for Education, Viliame Gavoka and his permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca have yet to comment on this matter.
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
