The Ministry of Education is excited to join the Pacific Community (SPC) in celebrating International Literacy Day 2024. This year’s theme, “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace,” highlights the importance of teaching in multiple languages to support learning and understanding. The event was held on Thursday 5 September, whilst the actual day is celebrated on 8 September.
During the event, hosted by SPC, several important achievements were recognized:
●Launch of the Pacific Education Research Bank: This new resource will help store and access educational research from across the Pacific, supporting future improvements in education.
●Introduction of the “Voices of Pacific Youth” Poetry Booklet: This booklet features the top 20 poems from a regional competition and will help teachers enhance reading skills with poems related to multilingualism and literacy.
●20th Anniversary of the South Pacific Form Seven Certificate (SPFSC): SPFSC is celebrating 20 years of helping students prepare for further education or work, making it an important part of the region’s education system.
The event was officiated by Mrs. Ana Raivoce, former Director of SPC’s Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP), and Permanent Secretary for Education Ms. Selina Kuruleca. Their presence shows the joint efforts to improve literacy across the Pacific.
Despite progress worldwide, literacy challenges remain. As of 2020, about 763 million people still lack basic literacy skills. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with other global issues like climate change and conflicts, has made these challenges worse. However, the Pacific’s focus on multilingual education offers hope and progress.
The Ministry has continued to work earnestly with SPC in its commitment to improving literacy and fostering understanding in Fiji. We look forward to further progress with the upcoming Pacific Islands Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PILNA) in 2025.
Also present at the event were students from select Primay schools in the main Suva area, who read for the audience at the event. The year 1 students of Yat Sen Primary demonstrated advanced reading skills and were cheered on by the attendees. The program being used to enhance their reading skills were Jolly Phonics.
“Congratulations to all students, teachers, and literacy advocates across the Pacific. Your efforts are crucial for a more inclusive and peaceful future.
Happy Literacy Day.”
