The teaching profession will no longer be a default career path in Fiji.

This was highlighted by Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during the 2019/20 budget announcement.

Sayed-Khaiyum says for the longest time, teaching has become a default career option for many Fijians.

The Minister for Economy adds they will liaise with tertiary institutions on ways to raise the quality of teachers.

“For teachers, we’ll be working with our Universities on the curriculum and assessment to raise the general standard for those entering the teaching profession. Teaching can no longer be seen as a default career option. It must be respected as a passionate professional undertaking for all level of education.”

Sayed-Khaiyum says they will place more emphasis on raising the standard of education quality delivered in Early Childhood Education.

“Particularly for Primary and Early Childhood Education, teachers need to possess the right qualifications. Right now many early childhood environments in Fiji more as resemble day care centers and actual classrooms. They need to become more conducive and education environments where students can actually receive the fundamental and critical discipline rigor in literacy and numeracy skills.”

Sayed-Khaiyum says they aim to strengthen our curriculum this year and indeed through the financial allocations.