Education authorities in the Western Division carried out a two day workshop designed to strengthen their response in times of disasters.
This disaster risk management workshop which saw the participation of school principals and head teachers in the western division, was held at Yaromo Island in Yasawa. The Ministry of Education permanent secretary Dr Brij Lal opened the meet.
As the cyclone season begins, participants were reminded that the safety of students and teachers are paramount during times of disasters. The theme of the workshop was Setting Standards for Quality Education.
“The 4 major components we deal with in schools are teacher quality, curriculum, assessments and school governance. Leaders need to be visionary and be good role models to ensure that quality and excellence is cultured in schools,” remarked Dr. Lal.
“As leaders you should be setting the standard. A standard that will ensure that quality and excellence is realised in your schools. A standard that will ensure that the safety of the school is secured and incur minimal damages during disasters,” commented Dr. Lal.
The damages incurred in schools for Cyclone Evan last year was estimated at $5.9 million. The school leaders are expected to return and put in place measures that will ensure that their schools and resources are kept safe during disasters and to always be ready to accommodate evacuees.
Meanwhile the meet also provided the opportunity for Dr Lal to highlight some of the major reforms that will be implemented in the education sector for 2014 which includes the introduction of name change from classes and forms to year 1 to year 13.The name TVET (Technical Vocational Education Training) will be changed to TEST (Technology Employment Skills Training) and the compulsory teaching of Hindi and I Taukei languages in all primary schools.
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