SUVA, Fiji (PINA Nius Online) — President Ratu Josefa Iloilo said the Blueprint for Affirmative Action for Fijian Education is a new chapter in Fijian education.<\/p>\n
Ratu Josefa launched the blueprint at Queen Victoria School before a crowd of 300 people.<\/p>\n
The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, Chief Justice Sir Timoci Tuivaga, Vice-President Ratu Jope Seniloli, ministers and other government officials.<\/p>\n
Ratu Josefa said the international community should not misunderstand the document as being racist.<\/p>\n
“For what we see here is not racist in intention, but a long overdue initiative to create a level playing field for the children of Fiji,” Ratu Josefa said.<\/p>\n
He said Fijian education is a very depressing problem.<\/p>\n
The education plan comes in wake of efforts made by Fiji’s interim administration after widespread indigenous Fijian unrest last year.<\/p>\n
“The flagging performance of Fijian students and of Fijian schools generally, and the widening gap between the Fijian students and (their) peers are major problems,” Ratu Josefa said.<\/p>\n
He also called on parents to change their attitude towards their children’s education.<\/p>\n
“Parents must place the education of their children at the top of their priorities,” he said.<\/p>\n
Ratu Josefa said the blueprint will not solve all of Fiji\u2019s education problems.<\/p>\n
“Fijians must look inwards for the answers,” he added.<\/p>\n
The document also aims to ensure greater development in rural and remote areas.<\/p>\n
“The new educational strategies proposed in the blueprint would be supported by simultaneous improvements in roads and shipping services, health services, etc.,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The development of village farming, rural marketing and the establishment of rural service centers should be part of the process.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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