Overview of Early Childhood Education in the Fiji Islands

Milika Waqanisau and

Analesi Tuicaumia

Pacific Map

Map of the Fiji Islands

-  Population 944,720

-  Under 5yrs 85,239

-  Under 5yrs in a EC Prog 12% est

Early Childhood Centres

•  Early Childhood Centres about 600 -650 teachers

•  Conducted in community halls, classrooms, church halls and some in their own buildings

•  Early Childhood programme approaches: –  Preschool/ Kindergarten, –  Montessori, –  Mobile Playgroup

Government Initiatives

•  In 1999 started In service trainings •  Certificate Level Training at Teachers

College •  Lautoka Teachers College graduates-

small grant salary $3,500 per year •  Building grant- for renovation and

extension •  Equipment grant (EU)-Funding agencies •  Curriculum guideline funded by AUSAID

Organisation Chart Permanent Secretary

for Education

Dep. Secretary -Professional

Dep. Secretary -Administration

Director-Primary Director-CDU

ECE Curriculum Officer SEO Kindergarten

Director Secondary

Divisions and Districts

Challenges

•  Advisory services •  Finance •  Equipment •  Community Awareness

•  Photos-Fiji is a multicultural nation…..

Fiji - a multiracial community

Fiji - a multiracial community

Fiji - a multiracial community

Fiji - a multiracial community

Fiji - a multiracial community

Typical Fijian Village

Scenes of Fiji’s World Forum

Sheraton Fiji Your Next Possible Forum Site

Conclusion. see you in Fiji!