Suspend school levies, urges FTA

Parents already struggling with rising fuel and food prices could face further financial hardship if schools continue imposing student levies, according to Fiji Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga.

Mr Manumanunitoga has called on the Government to immediately suspend all school levies until the current economic crisis eases, warning that the additional financial burden could force some students out of school.

He said families were already under pressure because of rising fuel costs, transport fares and food prices.

“Families are undergoing a lot of stress with the increase in the price of fuel, fares and food items, so we are strongly recommending that the Government suspend it for a while until the crisis is over,” he said.

His comments come as the Education Bill 2025 gives schools the ability to impose levies, with some reportedly charging between $200 and $250 per student.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka clarified that the levies were voluntary, not compulsory, and said anyone penalised for not paying would be acting illegally.

He added that the bill was designed for long-term application and might not be enforced immediately given the current economic challenges.

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said any school wishing to impose a levy must first obtain approval from the Ministry and that free education remained protected.

He said the provision was not intended to restrict student attendance but to allow schools to raise additional funds for maintenance and upkeep.

Mr Manumanunitoga said levies should be closely monitored and controlled by the Ministry before being introduced.

He warned that levies could negatively affect school attendance and student retention.

“It will certainly affect attendance in school and it will eventually result in students dropping out of school,” he said.

“I strongly recommend that the Government suspend everything for now, suspend all levies until such time that the crisis is over.”