Addressing the growing number of teachers leaving Fiji’s education system, improving school infrastructure and expanding vocational education should be key priorities in the 2026/2027 National Budget, according to a Namosi school principal.
Speaking to fijivillage News ahead of Friday’s National Budget announcement, Ratu Simione Matanitobua College Principal Viliame Kaseni says the Government needs to tackle the exodus of teachers, particularly as more educators continue to migrate overseas.
Insert: Kaseni - Teachers leaving June 22
Kaseni says improving teachers’ salaries should be a key focus, noting that the rising cost of living is putting pressure not only on teachers but on workers across the country.
Kaseni says many people are now working mainly to cover food costs, while bigger needs such as owning a home or a car remain difficult to achieve.
He says the Government should look at increasing wages across the board, including the minimum wage, private sector pay and civil service salaries.
Kaseni also highlighted the need to improve school infrastructure to better match the technological era, saying this was necessary not only for rural schools but also for urban schools.
He further raised concern about the number of school dropouts among iTaukei boys, saying the current curriculum may not be suitable for all students and that more hands-on and skills-based learning options could help keep them engaged in education.
Kaseni says many students are strong in practical skills and would benefit from more technical and vocational education and training opportunities.
He acknowledges that the Ministry of Education appears to be working on expanding vocational studies, but said more schools should be offering those pathways.
Kaseni also called for more support for sports development in schools, particularly rugby, saying he had observed a rise in boys’ enrolment during the second term when the rugby season begins.
He says if sport, particularly rugby development, could be better incorporated into the school system or supported through academies, it could help keep students interested and motivated.
Kaseni stressed that these were his personal views based on his observations in the school system, but says a stronger focus on skills-based education and better support for teachers would go a long way in improving outcomes for students.
The 2026/2027 National Budget will be delivered at 10am Friday.
