'Editorial': Parents, families must step up to resolve our education crisis

Our free education scheme was hailed as a transformative policy, aimed at ensuring that every child had the opportunity to complete their schooling without the heavy burden of financial strain.

Yet, a staggering 5726 secondary school dropouts and 4589 unregistered primary school students from 2019 to 2023 paint a bleak picture of neglect.

While the Ministry of Education has made commendable efforts, including transport assistance and TVET pathways, these alarming statistics reveal a distressing truth-parents are failing their children.

The Ministry of Education cannot shoulder the blame alone. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro's revelation in Parliament should have sent shockwaves through every home in Fiji. But instead of looking outward, parents must look within. If the Government has provided free schooling, free textbooks, and even bus fare assistance, then why are thousands of students still falling through the cracks?

The reasons cited-migration, family breakdowns, or opting for formal employment-are merely symptoms of a deeper issue. The root cause lies in a failure to value education and prioritise the future of Fiji's children. Too often, parents are quick to lay the blame on external circumstances rather than taking responsibility for their own roles in this crisis.

When families fail to instil the importance of education, the result is generations of children left vulnerable to a life of missed opportunities and hardship.

Reverend Simione Tugi's poignant questions capture what is at stake: "If this is what we are noticing, then what can we expect? Will we see an increase in youths on the streets committing crimes?" Such questions are no longer hypothetical-they are becoming Fiji's reality. Unless families start taking responsibility, the nation will continue to grapple with rising dropout rates, disillusioned youth, and a bleak future.

It's time for parents to step up, invest time, and make the education of their children a priority. The Government has kept its end of the bargain. Now, parents must keep theirs.

Feedback: naisak@fijisun.com.fj