More iTaukei Boys Leaving School Early

The Ministry of Education has raised serious concern over a growing crisis- increasing number of iTaukei boys dropping out of school before reaching secondary level.

Speaking at a national education forum, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro said recent data showed a sharp drop in male student numbers from primary to secondary school over the past five years.

"I was looking through the data ... What is very interesting to note was the number of students, especially male students, from primary school to secondary school has reduced over the years," Mr Radrodro said.

"That is probably a good topic for discussion. Where are all these male students going?"

Between 2019 and 2023, more than 4500 students left the school system before completing primary education, and another 5700 plus dropped out before reaching Year 10. Many of these are iTaukei boys.

This is despite Government initiatives such as free textbooks, transport assistance,, and back-to-school grants. The dropout trend remains consistent—and troubling.

Fiji Teachers Union president Muniappa Goundar said the issue was ongoing for years.

“It’s nothing new. Male students tend to fizzle out as they move up,” Mr Goundar said.

“There are many reasons—some get involved in drugs, some turn to informal jobs or street life, and some simply lose interest.”

He said the problem went beyond academics.

“It’s a holistic issue. Many of these boys stop listening to their parents, become hard to manage. It’s social, cultural, and behavioural.”

Mr Goundar called for a more flexible education model.

“Not every child is academically inclined. If we engage them through skills training, sports, and practical subjects, we might shift this trend,” he said.

He supported proposals to introduce TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) at lower secondary levels to help keep students in school.

Minister Radrodro said addressing the issue required a united approach.

“We all share the concern and responsibility—we need to come up with solutions,” the minister said.

Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) president Paula Manumanunitoga also voiced concern but warned against relying too heavily on limited datasets. He pointed to a recent Suva study that involved only about 30 schools.

“We queried whether the number of schools involved was enough to make such a finding,” he said.

“But from the Fijian Teachers Association, we are alarmed. We are worried.”

Mr Manumanunitoga blamed past policy failures, especially under the previous government, for contributing to the problem.

“There was real damage done,” he said, referring to the automatic promotion policy.

“Teachers were trying their best, but underperforming students who needed more attention were simply pushed forward.”

He also raised the issue of overcrowded schools, especially in urban areas.

“FTA has raised this for years. It didn’t start recently. It existed before the last regime—and nothing was done,” he said.

“We even suggested that the Ministry of Education work with the Ministry of Health or Bureau of Statistics to track birth rates and plan school spaces six years in advance. But it seems those in charge were asleep at the wheel.”

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj