Editorial: Honour the hands that shape our future

Fiji, this weekend feasts on the glamour, pride, and excitement of the 2026 Coca-Cola Games.

Across the nation, families celebrate as young athletes rise, records fall, and athletic heroes are exposed.

But amid the cheers, one truth is drowned out — the unsung heroes because success cannot happen without our teachers.

Behind the 155 schools and 2500 athletes is a story of sacrifice. Months of training, discipline and encouragement are driven not by headlines or allowances, but by teachers who give beyond what is required. They often sacrifice using their own time, money and energy to help guide their students to success. They are coaches, mentors, guardians and role models. Yet, they remain invisible when the spotlight turns on children’s success.

For years, teachers have called for better pay and working conditions. Those calls have been met with delay, deflection, or silence from authorities, and Government. This neglect should be removed because classrooms are becoming harder to manage. Student behaviour is getting worse, and respect for educators is gone.

Reports of threats, abuse and even assault against teachers’ hits headlines. Fiji is losing teachers overseas because of better salaries, conditions and care.

This is not just an education issue; it is a national one. The quality of our future workforce, leadership and society depends on the stability and strength of our classrooms today.

Parents must play their role. Discipline begins at home. But Government must lead with urgency — through fair pay, safer schools, and policies grounded in Fiji’s realities.

As the nation applauds its young champions this weekend, it must also stand up for those who made them run and reach the tape. Fiji should honour the teachers, not just in words, but in action.