Education minister urges stakeholders to engage in dialogue
May 13, 2008, 15:41

Minister for Education Filipe Bole today encouraged school managements and teachers to engage in dialogue as it is the best avenue to finding solutions to their problems.

In a statement released this morning, Mr Bole said “one of the characteristics of education in Fiji is the partnership between the community and the state, and indeed the Ministry of Education appreciates the contribution of all its valued stakeholders. In any alliance, as such, there are bound to be disagreements, however, the Ministry wishes to state, that in such circumstances, it is best that both parties keep within the confines of the law. Furthermore, dialogue is always the best avenue to be explored, to ensure that the best solution is arrived at.”

Mr Bole said the education of children is priority in any school, and for this reason, the Ministry wishes to request all school managements to allow the teachers and students to continue undisturbed in the business of teaching and learning. Management issues should be discussed between management and Headquarters, and indeed there is no need to get the school into any confusing situation.

In the case of Waiqele Secondary School, the Ministry wishes to request the Management to exercise due patience. The post of Principal has been advertised. In the processing of posts, time is of the essence, as the selection process also involves the appeal period and other relevant steps which will ensure that the most meritorious is appointed into a vacant position. Post processing is guided by Public Service regulations and the Ministry of Education is obliged to abide by these.

The Minister said he hopes that good sense will prevail, the rule of law is upheld and that children and teachers be allowed to continue with the education process, without any unnecessary disturbance.


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