Call for ‘learning corners’

PERMANENT secretary for Education Selina Kuruleca says there is a need to establish reading corners in every community to boost the literacy of Fijian children.

Ms Kuruleca said after the release of the Year Eight exam results, everyone was asking what would be done in terms of intervention from the ministry.

“The long and short of that is, many things to be done,” she said.

“We have to look at academic intervention, social intervention. Where is the parent in this equation? Where are the guardians? Where is the community? Are we reading every day? Can we have library corners set up in every community hall in Fiji?

“We’ve had very good partners in education through UNICEF, through Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Frank Hilton organisation looking at special inclusive education.

“For me, there’s no shame in asking for help. I think everyone who’s been into my office or into the conference room, I’ve asked them, what can you do for us, what can you do for my children? Because for me, it’s about the children of Fiji.

“It must be always in the best interest for the children of Fiji.”

Ms Kuruleca said while adults may disagree on how to go about solving these issues, they need to put the needs of children first.

“When you come from private sector, we want to make a decision today? Set, go, and do this. Public sector, there’s a lot of processes, but the processes exist for a reason. They’re robust processes. They exist for a reason.

“This should not hinder you. They should actually accelerate you, because they are there to support the work of the public service. It’s in the process, and it’s for the betterment of our children.”

She said one of the support structures that could be put in place was to introduce more avenues where students could develop reading skills.

“At primary school, at Years One to Four, we do not have examinations, but how can you have the support structure? Retired nurses, retired civil servants can come and read with you in your community hall. So, asking them to do extra reading.

“Recognition of letters or sight words we call it, that’s the extra support. We need to provide this to all of our children starting from day one.”

I’ve asked them, what can you do for us ...? Because for me, its about the children of Fiji

– Selina Kuruleca