School Dropouts Decline Significantly in Fiji

Fiji is reporting a marked success in student retention, with a significant decline in school dropouts across both primary and secondary education levels. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced that primary school dropouts decreased from 1,200 in 2024 to 740 last year. The figures for secondary school dropouts showed an even more dramatic improvement, more than halving from 869 in 2024 to 400 in the past year.

These encouraging statistics were presented in Parliament following a question from Opposition MP Hem Chand regarding students leaving school before completing Year Eight. Minister Radrodro highlighted a multi-faceted government strategy designed to keep students engaged and in school. Key initiatives include financial assistance programs, a free education grant, and transport support for students.

For the 2026 school year alone, the back-to-school assistance program disbursed $41.8 million to 208,764 students. The 2026-27 budget further allocates $54 million for student cards and continues the free education grant. These financial measures aim to alleviate some of the economic barriers that might lead students to leave school prematurely.

Beyond financial aid, schools play a crucial role in identifying students at risk of disengagement. They actively monitor attendance and welfare concerns, engaging with parents and guardians to provide additional support when needed. The Education Act 2026 also reinforces the legal framework governing education from early childhood through higher education, further strengthening the system's capacity to support student retention.

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This financial assistance on the strategy that we are trying to put in place, the free education grant, transport assistance, the $200 back-to-school assistance, and for this 2026 school year, the back-to-school assistance of $41.8 million has been paid out to 208,764 students. The 2026-27 budget also provides $54 million for blue and yellow student cards and continues with the free education grant.