The Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, officially opened the 132nd Fiji Principals Association Conference this week at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, urging school leaders to drive real change and prepare students for the future.
With the theme “Future-Ready Schools: Embracing Digital, Cultural & Global Shifts”, the Minister reminded principals that they are the cornerstone of Fiji’s education system and carry the responsibility of leading schools with vision, accountability, and passion.
The Minister, Hon. Radrodro stressed the urgent need to raise academic performance across schools, especially in English and Mathematics, which he said are the foundation for all future learning. He called on principals to ensure that teaching and learning are closely monitored, with student progress recorded properly through FEMIS, and urged the use of innovative teaching methods to lift outcomes.
“Every Head of School must take the lead in improving results. Our students must be prepared to compete for scholarships and excel in universities, both locally and abroad,” he said.
He also urged school leaders to create and share a clear vision for their schools, one that inspires teachers and students to work together towards excellence.
Hon. Radrodro reaffirmed that the Ministry of Education stands ready to support schools through curriculum reviews, new vocational programs, and micro-qualifications. He noted that special incentives and training opportunities are being developed for teachers in rural and maritime areas, but also reminded teachers of their duty to serve where they are most needed, instead of seeking unnecessary transfers.
The Hon. Minister urged the Heads of Schools to closely monitor teachers’ revision plans, ensure students are well prepared, and make classrooms conducive to learning during this critical final term.
He cautioned against unfair enrolment practices, reminding principals that every child has the right to education under the Denarau Declaration. He said no child should be turned away because of uniform, fees, or other discriminatory reasons.
The Heads of Schools were also reminded that the Back-to-School Support payment continues to face challenges each year because of incomplete forms, wrong FEMIS ID numbers, incorrect BRNs, and other basic errors. These mistakes often force parents and guardians to travel to the Ministry Headquarters in Suva to fix issues that should have been corrected at the school level.
Hon. Radrodro stressed that it is the duty of school leaders and teachers to properly assist parents when filling out forms, verify all details before submission, and ensure compliance with Ministry requirements.
The Minister concluded by reminding principals that education is a collective effort and that their leadership is crucial to lifting Fiji’s education system.