The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Premila Kumar assures students and parents that the Ministry will make every possible effort to ensure that students are not unduly disadvantaged because of the prolonged school closure.
There is a lot of speculation on the National Examinations for Year 13 students that is causing unnecessary stress and anxiety to many students and parents.
Minister Kumar says, “We are currently working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to identify possible options relating to Year 13”.
The Ministry is encouraging children aged 18 years and above to get fully vaccinated. Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is planning to conduct COVID-19 vaccination for the children aged 12-17 years old. The Ministry of Health is expected to introduce the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children between 12-17 years-old. An official announcement will be made as soon as a rollout plan is confirmed.
Students are reminded to continue learning from home using the Weekly Home Study Packages prepared and disseminated by their teachers while schools remain indefinitely closed nationwide.
It is important that they continue to learn from home for their own safety and well-being as the number of active COVID-19 cases remains high. Children are vulnerable to coronavirus infections and transmissions. It is important that we protect them and for now they are safest at home.
Many countries across the globe are working towards vaccinating children from age 12.
Several countries have been experimenting with opening schools prematurely, only to close them again because of large transmissions.
We do not want to be faced with a simialr situation here in Fiji.
“Learning remotely can be difficult for some students. I request parents to provide their support, guidance and assistance as much as possible. It does not matter if you do not have subject expertise, you can still assist your children through continuous encouragement and support.
One of the most important things that all parents can do to help their children is help them manage their time. The discipline that comes with good time management and supervision leads to effective learning. So, I urge parents to help their children and create a study routine for them”, said Minister Kumar
Parents should continue to collect printed materials from the nearest schools in absence of reliable internet services. Teachers will continue to provide printed learning materials.
“This week I have also encouraged the principals to fully engage with their students in providing the necessary learning support and advisory to their students and try and dispel any misinformation circulating in the social media”, said Minister Kumar
The Ministry is looking at the option of a four Term school next year, where the first Term can be used to catch-up and revise complex/difficult concepts and topics. This will allow students to catch up on the learning they missed this year.
Minister Kumar said, “I thank our teachers who are going the extra mile to ensure their students receive printed learning resources. The relentless support from our Community Leaders is an excellent example of the Fijian solidarity and I thank them for their support”.
The Ministry will continue to work with the MOHMS and relevant stakeholders to monitor the daily COVID-19 situation in Fiji and review the safest possible option relating to school re-opening.