Teacher Shortage Spoils Education, Says Student

Teacher shortage is not helping in students’ education, the public consultation on the review of the Education Act 1966 at the Fiji National University (FNU) Nasinu Campus heard yesterday.

Students and teachers of William Cross College (WCC) in Makoi, Nasinu, sounded the alarm over the growing crisis because of the shortage of teachers.

They complained that it is robbing students’ quality education and affecting staff well-being.

The consultation comprised of students from several secondary schools in Nasinu. Year 13 student Edna Dobui claimed teacher shortage was hurting their learning.

“The Ministry of Education needs to step in and address this issue quickly,” Edna said.

Teacher Uwate Vakaloloma echoed the comment, saying the situation is becoming unbearable.

“We carry a heavy burden every day. There are too much workload and not enough teachers to share the responsibilities,” he said.

Mr Vakaloloma said the crisis was affecting teaching standards and student support.

Mr Vakaloloma, who also serves as the school’s child protection officer, said teachers were forced to take on multiple roles, including that of counsellors and mentors, often without proper training or support.

“For the past three years, I’ve been handling child protection on top of teaching. It’s extremely challenging,” he said.

He called for more fulltime counsellors and trained professionals in schools.

“Students are struggling socially and emotionally, but we lack the resources and staff to help them properly. Many are falling through the cracks,” he said.

The call from William Cross College is clear: Without urgent action to fix teacher shortages and support staff, the quality of education, and student well-being — will continue to suffer.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj