All primary schools to have early childhood centre by 2017

Education Minister Dr. Mahendra Reddy has stressed that all primary schools are to have an early childhood centre by 2017 and the Ministry will provide the assistance.

Dr. Reddy made this comment when government MP Jilila Kumar asked what are the Ministry’s plans for expanding early childhood education in Fiji.

Reddy said prior to the announcement of the budget last year there were 940 registered early childhood centers and immediately after the announcement the number increased to 1008.

He added that there are 764 formally registered early childhood centers and it is more than our primary schools which is 730.

Out of these 730 primary schools, 322 do not have early childhood centers.

Government MP Alivereti Nabulivou asked the Minister how much money was allocated before for schools and how many schools benefitted last year and how many are benefitting now.

Reddy highlighted that last year 25 schools were assisted for $150,000 and this year after approval of budget 456 schools are benefitting with the grant of 1.4 million dollars.

While responding to the question asked by the Opposition MP Mikaiele Leawere as how will the Ministry give salaries to teachers who carry out the tasks, Reddy said these teacher’s salaries are paid by the Ministry and given to the early childhood centers which is now deposited in their accounts.

Reddy added that they have received complains that the managers are not passing on that particular salary to the teachers so now they are doing direct deposit in the teacher’s account.