The Fijian Teachers Association has officially launched its $26 million building project, which will be transformed into a modern hub featuring offices, retail spaces, and a rooftop garden by 2027, all to be leased out for tenancy.
While speaking at the Lot 11 groundbreaking ceremony, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica describes it as a monument to foresight, resilience, and commitment to creating spaces that empower educators.
The Ministry of Civil Service has assured the association that one of its ministries will occupy the building, allowing rental income to cover the loan repayment over 15 years, adding that construction is expected to take 18 months.
Kamikamica encourages teachers to continue working with the government, saying Fiji’s future depends on unity, resilience, and the values teachers pass on to students.
Meanwile, FTA President Netani Druavesi is calling for fair wages for teachers, saying low pay is forcing educators to leave the profession or move overseas in search of better opportunities.
Druavesi says diploma graduates in education earn about $16,000 a year after three years of training, while disciplined forces graduates earn around $18,000 after shorter training. He is also calls for more funding for rural and maritime schools, highlighting the shortage of iTaukei teachers in early education, and is urging stronger support for teaching the iTaukei language and culture.
Kamikamica says the coalition government values teachers as partners in building the nation.
He acknowledged teachers’ concerns about pay and working conditions but has asked for patience as the government works on solutions.
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