Kamna Kumar 
Fiji’s teachers’ unions have raised concerns about significant literacy and numeracy challenges among secondary school students.
Fiji is ranked sixth in literacy and seventh in numeracy in the Pacific region, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the education sector.
The Fijian Teachers Association and Fiji Teachers Union have pointed to outdated educational policies as a major factor in the growing learning gaps.
FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga
FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga says a key issue is the automatic promotion policy, which allows students to advance to the next grade without mastering basic skills.
“In secondary schools, teachers report having non-readers in Year 12,” the FTA stated. “This practice is one of the main reasons for the rise in non-readers.”
FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar
Meanwhile, FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar says that this approach lets students advance without mastering basic skills.
“Numeracy is the most important component of teaching and learning. If children are not able to master that well at the primary level, they won’t be able to do well at secondary also.”
Parents have also voiced concerns, calling for students to repeat grades if they do not meet learning outcomes.
One such parent, Luisa Katonivere, emphasized the importance of a strong foundation in early education
“Students should know their basics before advancing. If they struggle with reading and writing from primary school, it becomes harder in secondary school”
In response, the Ministry of Education has announced a national consultation on Thursday to review the automatic promotion policy and improve learning outcomes.
