Automatic progression policy aligns with SDG
FIJI is keeping up with international commitments to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its “leave no child behind” policy in schools.
In an interview, permanent secretary for Education Selina Kuruleca said the automatic progression policy was in use from the previous administration’s time in office.
“The Fijian government, from the last government, is signatory to many conventions,” she said.
“And one of the deliverables in these conventions or SDGs is SDG Four which is access to quality education or leaving no child behind, which means that everyone needs to be given an equal opportunity to access quality education.
“I will let you come to Year Nine. You need to decide whether you’re going to come to Year nine but I, as the ministry, must give you that opportunity.”
Ms Kuruleca explained that parents wishing to keep their children behind or get them to repeat a year was solely their decision.
However, she said the parents then had to speak with the head of school on whether there was enough space for the child for the year they wish to repeat.
“There are many factors. If you are held back, what is the space if you come forward, which is part of the SDG that every child needs to move? What support mechanisms do we need to put in place so that now that you’re in the next level up?
“We’re supporting you to achieve at least at that level and the basic of the years. One thing that we’ve noticed is we’re just pushing people out without looking if we have enough support system structures in place.
“So that’s something we’re looking at and of course looking at how we can strengthen the support structures. So, through the Substance Abuse Advisory Council, they’ve trained some mentors, who can be part of this support structure.”