Radrodro lays out plan that is fundamental to improving standard of education
Several key messages would have resonated well with teachers and Ministry of Education staff from the inaugural statement of their line minister.
They are:
Concept of team work, unity
Mutual respect and harmony
Commitment to maintaining highest standards
Transparency and accountability
Cut back on kava drinking
Consultation and open door policy
Zero tolerance on sexual abuse
National education summit to review curriculum Revert to three school terms from four
Look into challenges over corporal punishment More potential changes on the way. Staff should be comfortable
Reverting the retirement age to 60 from 55
When Aseri Radrodro, the Minister for Education, and his assistant minister Iliesa Vanawalu were welcomed to the ministry on Friday, he outlined his plan to lift the standard of education.
While he tried to be as diplomatic as possible in sharing his thoughts, he made no secret of his intention to lift the standard.
It was time to get rid of the old and bring in the new, although he has reverted to some old policies.
One of them is dividing the school year to three terms instead of four. In comparison three terms are more manageable.
Four terms were one too many and disruptive. There was nothing wrong with three terms. Teachers would also welcome the lifting of the retirement age from 55 to 60, which used to be the case. It will give teachers some certainty with their retirement because of more income in their National Provident Fund savings.
Mr Radrodro was spot on with his criticism of excessive kava drinking.
The negative impact of too much kava drinking on health, performance and productivity is common knowledge.
Kava drinking should be banned in schools and teachers should be closely monitored on their performance.
The zero tolerance policy on sexual abuse should also apply to kava drinking in school compounds. A National Education Summit to review the curriculum is long overdue.
Among the issues is a seeming drop in the standard of written and spoken English. It is reflected in the standards we see with some university graduates. The lack of reading of books has been identified as a cause for the problem.
All schools should be well stocked with relevant books that will help students in their English comprehension and literature. Reading should be encouraged in homes and schools.
In the curriculum review we should be looking at subjects that are relevant in modern-day Fiji and lead to qualification that will meet the needs in crucial sectors of our economy.
There is a shortage of skilled workers and specialists that must be addressed immediately.
It’s a good start from Mr Radrodro. Let’s hope he maintains the momentum.
NEMANI DELAIBATIKI
Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj