Education is relevant when it is applicable, appropriate and practicable.
In devising a curriculum for a country or for a school, a lot of thought is given to its practicability, appropriateness and applicability.
A lot more is involved in the planning, writing and research of the curriculum.
The Ministry of Education is also aware that culture is dynamic and evolves over time and that it must adapt to changes.
However, a great hindrance to developing the land and the marine resources in the schools in Fiji is the land issue which the Government is trying to solve.
The Ministry of Education, in its quest to bring about relevant education has established agricultural, maritime and vocational centres in schools around the country.
Not only that, there are annual programs and activities that cater for students of differing learning abilities.
Hospitality and tourism Courses have been offered in Lomawai Secondary School, Ratu Navula Secondary School and Nadi College to meet the market need in the tourist town of Nadi and the Coral Coast.
The same schools also offer Baking and Patisserie, Cookery and Housekeeping.
Ratu Mara College in Lakeba has been offering courses in Forestry for the last four years while other schools have been earmarked to provide the same courses.
Fibre-glass Boat Building, Light Outboard Motor Repair and Marine Survey are being offered at Vunisea Secondary school in Kadavu for the last two years.
Lami High School, Rishikul, Labasa Arya and Ratu Kadavulevu School offer Automotive Engineering, Welding and Fabrication, Agricultural Engineering courses.
Fiji Fashion Week has been working in close collaboration with our schools on learning the intricacies of fabric and designing patterns and showcasing the finished products through fashion parades.
The Young Mussos Acclaim, encourages the production of original music from our secondary school students.
Last week’s Kula Film Awards is an avenue, which introduces students to a wide array of lucrative job opportunities.
Students can become producers, directors, actors/actresses, make-up artists, costume designers, music directors, camera crew, scriptwriters, computer animation artists, graphic designers, lightings and special effects crew and even stunts men, to name a few.
The National Qualification Framework is also working on standards in schools regarding traditional items.
Therefore, students who are not suited for pure academic pursuits, are catered for and certainly will not be alienated from their villages and homes.
Mr Filipe Bole
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment.