2024 FIJI EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
The Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms. Selina Kuruleca delivered the keynote address at the opening of the 2024 Fiji Early Childhood Teachers Association Conference at the FNU Campus, Lautoka on Tuesday evening.
“It is a great honor to be invited to open the Fiji Early Childhood Teachers Conference 2024 with the inspiring theme: “Towards Quality Early Learning: A Passion in Action.” This theme resonates deeply with everyone in this room, for it represents our shared commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of our youngest learners,” said Ms. Kuruleca.
She highlighted that the Coalition government’s investment in the 2024-2025 financial year is approximately $22.3 million in Early Childhood, reaffirming the importance of ECCE and the future of Fiji. “Investing in the early years of a child’s life is not merely a choice; it is a necessity that can shape the trajectory of individuals and communities alike.”
The Permanent Secretary also did a short demonstration with a sponge and a bowl of water which was intended to inspire all the participants and remind them that they are dealing with the most vulnerable during one of the most vulnerable periods of their life. “Our children are like sponges, they will soak up everything around them, let us be discerning, compassionate, respectful, for just as the way this sponge soaks up all this water, so does our children with the things around them,” she stressed. The ECE teachers were challenged to leave an indelible mark, imprints of hope, compassion creativity and respect.
Ms. Kuruleca stated that the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF is reviewing the ECE policy. She further added that the 2009 ‘Na Noda Mataniciva’ curriculum will also be reviewed and that MOE has also budgeted to host an ECE Teachers Forum for professional development in which the reviewed ECE policy will be launched.
Encouraging the participants at the conference, Ms. Kuruleca emphasised that we all must play a proactive role when it comes to our children and our ECE.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary stated, “I challenge you to join me in being the change-makers in our educational landscape. With passion in action, we can transform lives and build a brighter future for Fiji and beyond. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and for being here today. Please convey our deepest appreciation to your husband’s, wives, children and families for sharing you with us at MOE. Make this conference a remarkable experience filled with inspiration, collaboration, and growth for the betterment of our Early Childhood Education. Continue to shine, yalovinaka tiko. ”
