Strengthening fiji’s education system: a view from key stakeholders

Pacific Economic Bulletin Volume 24 number 3 october 2009 © the australian national university Having achieved universal primary education, the Government of Fiji has stated that it will now focus attention on raising school learning achievements in equitable ways, and it has identified a number of policy priorities. This article reports on a qualitative study with children and young people in Fiji on their views and experiences of education. Two issues identified by children and young people are the focus of this article: ending corporal punishment and greater professionalism among teachers. These issues are examined against the backdrop of the government’s stated policy objectives. It is concluded that policy objectives are more likely to be achieved if school children are identified as stakeholders and partners. Sharon Bessell is a Senior Lecturer in the Crawford School, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University. Strengthening fiji’s education system: a view from key stakeholders