School dropouts: Over 5000 Plus

A startling revelation by Government has exposed the high number of students dropping out of school between 2019 and 2023, despite our free education scheme.

This has prompted urgent calls from the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, the teachers' unions, and the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship for parents, guardians, and stakeholders to prioritise education in Fiji.

Mr Radrodro disclosed in Parliament that 5726 students failed to complete Year 10 over the four-year period-an average of 1431 dropouts annually.

Additionally, 4589 primary school students were not registered in schools during the same period according to the Ministry’s Fiji Education Management Information System Database (FEMIS).

“While specific reasons for dropout or premature exit from the education system are not captured, disclosed reasons include deaths, migration, movement from public to private schools, or medical conditions,” he said.

Ministry Efforts and Contributing Factors 

The Ministry has been working with school heads to conduct home visits and provide counselling to “at-risk students” to encourage them to continue their education.

However, various factors such as family breakdown, migration, and formal employment have been identified as contributing to the rising dropout rates.

Mr Radrodro stressed that a collective effort from government agencies, civil society, religious organisations, and families is needed to address this issue.

Mitigation Measures 

To counter the problem, the Ministry has introduced several measures, including:

• Alternative Pathways: TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) and micro-skills training.
•  Special Inclusive Education Grant (SIEG) for all eligible school-age children.
• Transport Assistance for students.
• Provision of Textbooks to alleviate financial burdens.
• Access to Extra-Curricular
• Activities such as sports, cadet training, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Stakeholder Concerns 

The issue has drawn strong reactions from educational and religious bodies.

Fiji Teacher’s Union (FTU) general secretary Muniappa Goundar and his Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) counterpart, Paula Manumanunitoga, have long been vocal about the need for immediate intervention to secure Fiji’s future.

Fiji Evangelical Fellowship general secretary, Reverend Simione Tugi, expressed his concerns, stating: “These are the future of Fiji; we need children to be educated to lead.

“If this is what we are noticing, then what can we expect?

“Will we see an increase in youths on the streets committing crimes?

“We need to keep our children in school. Fiji cannot afford to have these numbers.”

The Role of Families 

Reverend Tugi highlighted that strengthening the family unit is key to addressing the issue. “Many are not spending enough time with their children or paying attention to their needs,” the reverend said.

“I plead with parents to act now.

“Strengthen your family, spend time, and speak to your children.

“Government has been providing free school fees and bus fare—ensure that we send our children to school for a better and prosperous Fiji!”

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj