Executive leaders from the fourteen provinces of Fiji are meeting to discuss the way forward for iTaukei students in achieving academic excellence.

It comes after reports have shown that majority of school dropouts are iTaukei students, and an intervention from the grassroot level is critically needed.

This is the first time the provincial executives are meeting to discuss the need for more intervention on indigenous student’s education.

Education Committee representatives from the 14 Provincial councils are meeting in Suva to discuss a resolution on the impact of school dropouts.

Chairman of the Tailevu Provincial Council, Rusiate Tudravu says the onus is on us as individuals.

He says, the issue may not be solved overnight, but adds that at least the Provincial Council Members, including Education Committee representatives, and Turaga Ni Vanua, have a platform to work on.

Tudravu is concerned about the increasing drug use, adding that this is already a factor to iTaukei dropping out of schools.

Chairperson of the Tailevu Provicincial Education Committee, Dr Akanisi Kedrayate urges the council representatives to emphasise education at all district and village level.

“I’m pleading with you all, let us look at what is happening in our province in terms of the education of our children. That is the question we’re asking in Tailevu, as many of them are dropping out of school. I urge you to ask the question, What is happening in our respective provinces?”

The three day meeting, hopes to find a resolution on education, to further support the Denarau Declaration a declaration borne out of the National Education Summit.