The Minister for Education, Honourable Aseri Radrodro, this morning officially opened the Ministry of Education/Australia Fiji Education Program (AFEP) Decentralised Capacity Building Workshop.
In his opening remarks, Honourable Radrodro highlighted the importance of capacity building for both Ministry officials and Heads of Schools (HoS). He noted that it is essential for officers and school leaders to be fully aware of school realities, review emerging challenges, and understand their responsibilities. The Minister stressed that pressing issues, such as teacher shortages, transfers, and other challenges, have at times contributed to HoS and officials not being fully aware of their roles and priorities, and emphasized the need for proactive leadership at all levels.
The three-day workshop brings together Ministry officers, divisional staff, education advisors, and 20 Heads of Schools from across Fiji. The program focuses on strengthening leadership, enhancing teacher professional development, and improving planning, monitoring, and reporting at divisional and district levels.
As part of the event, the Minister officially handed over 30 tablets procured by AFEP for Senior Education Advisors. He emphasised that these devices are more than tools; they are practical investments in the care and service the Ministry provides to schools, teachers, and students.
The tablets will enable real-time data collection and reporting, even from the most remote, rural, and maritime schools across seas and over mountains. This technology will help the Ministry make timely decisions and provide better support where it is needed most.
The Minister also acknowledged with gratitude the ongoing partnership between the Government of Fiji and the Government of Australia through AFEP, under the Vuvale Partnership. This collaboration continues to support curriculum reform, inclusive education, leadership development, and improved service delivery in schools.
The workshop represents a significant step in building a stronger, more responsive, and resilient education system, ensuring that every child in Fiji has access to quality education.
