The Ministry of Education acknowledges the continuous support of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) towards Fijiβs education sector, both through infrastructure development and advancing digital transformation.
In a significant bilateral meeting, H.E. Omar Shehadeh, Special Envoy of the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Caribbean and Pacific, engaged in comprehensive discussions with the Minister of Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, to enhance diplomatic relations and explore collaborative opportunities.
The UAE has played an important role in strengthening Fijiβs education infrastructure over recent years. In 2019, through the Emirates Red Crescent Authority (ERCA), the UAE provided a financial grant of $6.3 million (FJD) to support Lautoka Methodist College, Ratu Simione Matanitobua College, and Sigatoka Methodist College. This funding enabled the construction of a five-classroom block, four special rooms (science lab, computer room, industrial arts room, and home economics room), a canteen, an ablution block, and an administration block.
All works were successfully completed and commissioned in 2022 by UAE officials, with the new infrastructure designed to withstand Category 5 cyclones, ensuring safer and more resilient learning environments for students and teachers.
Building on this foundation, the tender process for the construction of two duplex teachersβ quarters across the same three schools will now commence in 2025, with full funding provided by ERCA. This project will cover all building materials and associated costs, further expanding the support provided to Fijiβs education sector.
The meeting also emphasized opportunities to modernize Fijiβs education system through digital solutions, including national digital ID systems, online student enrollment mechanisms, performance tracking, and innovative learning platforms.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is expected to be signed by November, further strengthening bilateral cooperation in both infrastructure and digital education transformation.
This partnership reflects a shared vision between Fiji and the UAE to provide students with improved learning environments and access to modern technologies, ensuring that the education system is both resilient and future-ready.
