Reforms initiated by Government will continue in the educational system in ensuring that Fijians have equal access to quality education which is a fundamental key in life, said the Minister for Education Filipe Bole.
He made the comments while opening the Head Teachers Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting at Ratu Iloilovatu House at Viseisei Village in Vuda just outside Lautoka.
Mr Bole highlighted the need for best educational practices to ensure that Fiji’s children have the best education before they enter the workforce.
“In broad headings, more than 70 initiatives were taken by the ministry during the period of 2008 – 2013 in the various sections from early childhood to tertiary education,” Mr Bole said.
“These have involved basic changes in our education system such as increasing the number of Early Childhood Education institutions, restructuring of the school system, the abolition of examinations, free supply of text-books, assistance in transport of students, students’ vouchers for meals and introduction of new subjects in schools among others.”
The Minister also highlighted that the most important basic change is the inclusion in the 2013 Constitution of provisions for education.
“This makes education a constitutional right of all Fijians and makes education a legal responsibility of the State,” he added.
“And because education is basically a preparation for life, and life is a continually changing target, change and reform in education must be a continuous process reflecting life’s changing needs.”
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