Education Commission appointed to review curriculum, teacher quality and leadership

An Education Commission has been formally appointed today that will carry out a comprehensive review of the education system, including curriculum, teacher quality, school leadership, and institutional frameworks.

Chaired by former University of the South Pacific lecturer, Professor Vijay Naidu, the Commission's objectives are to strengthen national unity and identity by promoting diversity, respect, and belonging, to align development demands with economic and future labour market, to make education more inclusive and accessible to all Fijians and to position Fiji globally as a centre of learning, innovation and excellence.

While making the announcement this afternoon, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirms the Commission will also include Filipe Jitoko, Kelera Taloga, Dr. Lavenia Tiko, Dr. Priscilla Puamau, Dr. Kesaia Seniloli, Arvind Maharaj and Ana Raivoce.

He says the work of the Commission will help guide the education system through an era of transformation, one shaped by rapid technological change, shifting labour markets, and the increasing importance of lifelong and inclusive learning.

Radrodro says this will be a consultative, evidence-based, and forward-looking process, ensuring the voices of students, educators, parents, employers, and communities are all heard.

Professor Naidu says clearly, they would need to consult with the students, teachers and parents in schools to get the necessary feedback about the challenges they face with respect to drugs, attending schools and bullying among others.

He says these are all the challenges that children face and it's quite overwhelming.

Professor Naidu says once they get the feedback, they will be better placed to make the necessary recommendation to address these issues.

He adds they will do their best to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, feel safe going to school and that education and going to school are attractive things to do at this stage of their life.

The Commission Chair says they have been allocated six months for consultation, field research work, plus the desktop types of studies.

Professor Naidu adds they will be writing their report and recommendation in the first part of next year.