Schools struggle as teacher hiring takes months

Fiji Head Teachers Association has expressed con­cern over the long delays in teacher recruitment and replacement in schools facing staff shortages.

With teacher shortages already affecting classroom deliv­ery, both educators and parents are now calling for urgent improvements to ensure every child has access to a quali­fied teacher without unnecessary delays.

This was highlighted during the Fiji Head Teachers As­sociation 42 Annual Conference at Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort on Denarau in Nadi on Friday.

Association president Johnson Rura stressed that the current process often takes weeks or even months, leaving students at a disadvantage.

“The turnout from your end takes weeks and even months, and I hope that can be improved,” Mr Rura said.

The association stressed that the prolonged vacancy peri­ods place additional pressure on existing staff and disrupt learning for students, particularly in rural and maritime schools where teacher numbers are already limited.

In response, the director of Primary Education Sanaila Nauga admitted the delays and assured teachers that the ministry was committed to making the process more effi­cient.

“We understand and take responsibility for that and we will improve on our effectiveness,” he said.

“I was also a teacher for many years and I know the need of teachers out there in the field.”

The ministry acknowledged that recruitment challenges have been a recurring issue but said measures will be tak­en to streamline the process.