Education must be prioritized to accelerate progress towards all Sustainable Development Goals - Radrodro

Education is a basic human right and a public responsibility and achieving quality education can break the cycle of poverty and reduces inequalities that are leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind.

This is the message from the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, in celebration of the International Day of Education.

He says International Day of Education is a very important day as it reminds everyone around the globe on the importance of education and the critical role it plays in people’s lives.

Radrodro says like the theme for this year’s International Education Day, the Ministry wish to invest by getting people together because education is everyones business, thus, everyone should have the opportunity to contribute.

He further says the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24th January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

Radrodro says that the fifth International Day of Education theme “to invest in people, prioritize education” is an apt one and fits well in the agenda of the Coalition Government which has education as one of its top priorities.

He adds building on the global momentum generated by the UN Transforming Education Summit in September 2022, this year’s Day will call for maintaining strong political mobilization around education and chart the way to translate commitments and global initiatives into action.

The Minister says education must be prioritized to accelerate progress towards all Sustainable Development Goals against the backdrop of a global recession, growing inequalities and the climate crisis.

Radrodro adds this day is significant and timely since it coincides with their Government’s efforts to promote development and prosperity while also looking for peace, reconciliation, and provide answers to the many issues that separate us.

He also says with the roll out of Back to School Support program within a few days in Government, clearly indicates the Coalition Government’s strong focus towards education and Fijians can expect more strategic approach by the Government.

He further added that they will not be able to inspire the aspirations of all Fijians until their educational goals are aligned and their context is taken into account.

Radrodro says he is committed to a program of making education desirable in its entirety and, at the same time, he extends an invitation to all interested parties to join their efforts in creating a lasting peace and an increased growth.

Radrodro says as a way forward, his Ministry is working on convening an Education Summit this year.

He adds this will bring all education stakeholders under one roof to discuss issues pertaining to education and pave the best way for the Fiji Education System.

The Minister is calling upon parents, guardians, teachers and students to prepare well for the 2023 academic year which starts soon, with teachers reporting on 30th January and students starting 6th February.

He says the Government’s Back to School support program came at the right time and he anticipates that it has enabled eligible parents and guardians to prepare well by purchasing required materials for their children’s education.