Pay teachers well and they will not resign - Hem Chand

Pay teachers well and they will not resign.

That is the message delivered by Opposition MP, Hem Chand in Parliament as concerns were raised over the growing shortage of teachers in schools across Fiji and the impact it is having on the quality of education.

While responding to the President’s opening address, Chand says high-quality education can only be delivered when schools have the required number of teachers.

Chand highlighted that many schools experienced serious staffing issues last year, and similar problems were evident again when schools opened for the new academic year.

He notes that six weeks into the school term, the Ministry of Education is still struggling to resolve teacher shortages across early childhood centres, primary schools and secondary schools.

According to Chand, improving the quality of education requires a holistic approach that includes strengthening teacher training, creating positive and safe school environments, and improving partnerships between the Ministry and teachers.

He stresses that if education is truly a priority, no classroom should be left without a teacher.

He says it is the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.

The MP also highlighted the growing number of teachers leaving Fiji for employment opportunities abroad, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, where salaries and living conditions are more attractive.

Chand says the current pay increases for teachers are not sufficient to address the rising cost of living, adding that better remuneration is key to retaining qualified educators.

He also raised concerns about delays in the release of the Government’s Free Education Grant to schools, saying the funds are essential for purchasing learning resources for students.

Chand questioned how schools are expected to buy necessary resources if the grant is not released on time and called on the Ministry to improve its planning and ensure timely payments.

He further highlighted complaints from parents and students who did not receive their Back-to-School Assistance when schools reopened for the first term.

He says many families were sent from one office to another while trying to resolve outstanding payments, creating unnecessary hardship.

Chand says the explanation from the Ministry that forms were not filled out correctly was not acceptable, stressing that it is the responsibility of the Ministry to ensure applications are verified efficiently.

He adds that many families depend on this assistance to purchase essential items such as school bags, uniforms and stationery, and delays place added financial pressure on households.

Chand warns that if these issues remain unresolved, it will be difficult to deliver quality education to children across the country.