Today, we join the global community in celebrating World Teachersโ Day. I extend my heartfelt Vinaka Vakalevu to all 13,457 teachers across Fiji and Rotuma, from Early Childhood Education to Secondary level, for your dedication, care, and tireless work in shaping the minds and hearts of our children.
The UNESCO 2025 World Teacherโs Day is celebrated under the international theme โRecasting teaching as a collaborative professionโ, which highlights the commitment and collective efforts between the Ministry of Education and our teachers. It also signifies a collective vision for the future of education, where teachers, administrators, policymakers, and other stakeholders work together to address challenges, implement effective practices, and ensure the success of students.
Teachers do much more than teach. You guide, inspire, and support young people as they grow not only academically, but as responsible and compassionate members of society. Many of you work in communities far from urban centers, facing challenges that go beyond the classroom. Your commitment ensures that every child, no matter where they live, has the chance to learn and thrive.
Over the past 2 years, the Ministry of Education has focused on supporting teachers in practical and meaningful ways. These include salary upgrades and step-ups for thousands of teachers and non-teaching staff, full-day pay for ECE teachers, location and special allowances, recognition of teaching qualifications such as STTC and IDTT, and expanded professional development programs locally and overseas. Initiatives like Women in School Leadership promote gender inclusion and leadership opportunities within the teaching profession.
In addition, the civil service retirement age has been extended to 60, and policies have been revised to allow teachers who left the profession to return if they wish.
The Ministry of Education remains steadfast in supporting you, not just today but every day, through policies, professional development, improved benefits, and initiatives that strengthen your role as educators and leaders.
Vinaka Vakalevu for all that you do. We celebrate you, we honour you, and we are committed to walking with you as partners in shaping the future of Fiji.
