Change by Radrodro to 3 school terms structure is regressive - Kumar

Opposition MP and former Minister for Education, Premila Kumar has claimed that the change from four school term structure to three school terms made by the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro is regressive.

While speaking at a press conference at the FijiFirst Headquarters, Kumar says unfortunately, the Minister has failed to understand the rationale behind this change and the benefit this brings to the education and other sectors.

Kumar says the rationale to introduce four school terms was to bring about overall efficiency in the education system by aligning this with international best practice.

The MP says the proposal was well received by the stakeholders such as the Fiji Head Teachers Association, the Fiji Principals Association, Parents Teachers Association, Fiji Retailers Association, parents, teachers, heads of school, faith based organisation and Fijian Teachers Association.

She says the Fiji Teachers Union did not give their views.

Kumar adds consultations were held by the divisional and district education offices around the country and written views were also sought from stakeholders through social media platforms who could not attend in person consultation.

She says they also used the teachers talanoa platform on the ministry’s website where people could give their views.

Questions have been sent to the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro. He is yet to respond.