Fiji

Here's what's happening in Fiji:

Fiji Times online

New Policies Long Overdue: Ministry
Friday, March 10, 2006

THE launch of a new set of policies for management of schools yesterday was long overdue, said Ministry of Education chief executive Alumita Taganesia.

Launching the ministry's first set of six policies and school management handbook, Ms Taganesia said it had been almost 30 years since the policies were last overhauled.

"The policies have been long overdue and there had to be a response of clarification," she said.

"The ministry has produced the handbook that has been developed in response to a need for clarification of roles and responsibilities expressed by the heads of schools and the school management authorities.

"The handbook supports the ministry's outcomes expressed in the 2006-2008 strategic plan which aimed to allow the community to have a greater participation in education and have an improved management through accountability, polices and programs."

Ms Taganesia said an extensive consultation process occurred over a period of two years involving stakeholder consultation meetings, training programs with heads of schools and school management teams. "

School management policy review discussion papers were distributed and hundreds of oral and written feedback submissions were made," she said. "The policy selection was based on priority issues for education in Fiji."

The policies launched were Early Childhood Education, School Excursions, School Information and Management System, External Examination and Assessment, Information Privacy and Security and Skills Training for Employment.

"The policies are mandatory, as are any procedures contained therein, and must therefore be adhered to by all Ministry of Education personnel," she said.