Absenteeism and bus fare increase related-ECREA

A survey conducted by NGO ECREA has revealed a direct link between the rate of absenteeism and punctuality in schools and the recent bus fare increase.

After a written approval from the Ministry of Education, ECREA carried out a survey in 121 classes from 15 primary and secondary schools in the Suva area where 63.43% of teachers reported that bus fare increases were a huge factor in the fluctuating attendance of their students.

ECREA director Chantelle Khan said in one school, around 286 or just over 50% of students travelled by bus daily and over a period of one week, they had a collective absenteeism rate of 422, indicating that in some forms, students were away from school two to three days each week.

Khan said during the survey, 12 out of the 13 teachers in one school said that the absenteeism was bus fare increase related.

ECREA is calling on the relevant stakeholders to consider these figures on reassessing the decision of the 13% increase in bus fares since August 5th.

ECREA is still collecting signatures in the Naitasiri area today and the petition is expected to be handed to the Prime Minister’s Office, the LTA, Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Education.