Early School Leaving In Fiji

Early School Leaving (ESL) is a major problem in Fiji. On the contrary, it is a huge problem. I have been studying this issue for over two years and I have found that this phenomenon is as complex as any social issue. Complex in the sense that one cannot put a finger on a single cause or effect but rather a multitude of causes that could also be an effect of ESLing. The ministry of Education, to my surprise, has decided to combat this issue in the a manner that could only be described as agricultural or provincial and if should it suit the linguistic connoisseur, than I suppose 'archaic' should be added into the mix. They have decided to forgo the examination system under the argument that it is a major contributor to ESL. The question is, how than will be able to measure the effectiveness of the national curriculum? how will we know if what we are teaching our children is actually improving their capability without using a measuring stick? These thoughts have puzzled my mind for days. Now I ask myself, is it truly wise to dispose the measuring stick just so that things would look good on paper. It is truly amazing to see that most academics have supported this scheme without realizing that ESL can be caused by a multitude of factors that are linked to one another is a complex social web. For example, poverty could lead to a family sacrificing schooling and unemployed parents would also have to take the same measure. Than there is the issue of family priorities and how most family value education, which can affect a child's perception towards the remarkable benefits of education. Also, the effectiveness and questionable quality of the national curriculum which, in all respect should be students focused. But curriculum's are also judged along the line of a country's economic health and preferences in the job market. There is also the issue of peer pressure and the existing counter culture that has been, for decades, characterized by youthful exuberance and rebelliousness. These issues have to extend played a significant role in why ESLing exist. But they are not the only issues, there is the question of values, tradition, culture of Fiji's society in general. My point is why is the government taking this step when in all recognition they could have tried to look deeper in the rabbits hole and see that there are certain things in society that cannot be possibly solved by just picking on one issue without considering the whole puzzle. I pray that common sense would one day prevail.