The Education Ministry hopes to change by 2012 the name of schools that denote racial affiliations.
Education Minister, Mr Filipe Bole said schools were still working to achieve this and they were happy some schools have come forward suggesting a new name.
“There are still some schools that denote racial affiliations, for example, there are some Indian schools or Fijian schools. Our target as required by the People’s Charter is for us to achieve this by 2012. We have seen that most schools have come in willingly to tell us they have decided to change from Indian or Fijian to a name they have suggested,” Mr Bole said.
He said the objective of this exercise was to develop a common identity and build a cohesive society through the removal of school names, which had racial connotations.
The minister said Government and the Ministry of Education were putting in measures to promote multi-cultural education where the emphasis was on unity and respect for all.
“We need to focus on our common shared values and interest and adopt a common national identity. There is a need for us to move away from the idea of strongly identifying ourselves by ethnicity,’ Mr Bole said.
“The elimination or removal of school names denoting racial affiliations is linked to the Roadmap for Democracy & Sustainable Socio Economic Development 2009 to 2014.
“We are still working with some schools for a change in name. We have done a lot in terms of this. Most schools have come in and they’ve recommended names. Once they have agreed for a change in name, we’ll also change their registration,” the minister said.
Mr Bole said institutional name changes have been forwarded to the ministry and endorsed by the permanent secretary.
The Assessment and Monitoring Unit of the ministry is yet to re-issue school registration certificates with new school names.