It’s back to school for students around the country tomorrow.

For some it will be familiar surroundings however for others they be going to school for the first time starting class one or moving on to secondary level.

There are always high hopes and expectations that the students settle in well without any obstacles.

Based on this several policies have now been implemented to ensure that every child goes to school.

This included the free text book scheme, the free transport assistance scheme, remission of fees, free tuition fees and the VAT exemption on school stationary.

This is also an attempt to overcome the school dropout rate and the Ministry of Education said it is hoping that parents play their part and ensure that their children go back to school.

On the other hand, teachers also started off the beginning of the new school year today.

2011 sees more than 200 new teachers joining the education system.
 
Deputy Secretary for Education, Josefa Sania said 167 teachers were retired last year and the ministry will not only be replacing retired teachers but also those who have migrated.
 
There are a total of 8000 teachers in the country.

With the school zoning system kicking off this year for class one and form three, the ministry also hopes that things will get easier for parents.

Minister, Filipe Bole said students who need assistance should be sent to schools within their 2 kilometre school zone.

He said parents would have to look after the expenses of anyone going beyond their school zone.
 
Fijivillage would also like to advise parents to ensure that children going to school tomorrow are familiar with the road rules to avoid any tragedy.

It has been revealed that an average of ten school children aged between five to 16 years die on our roads and around 200 sustain injuries due to road accidents in a year.

This can be avoided if parents also play their part and do not just rely on the teachers to teach students road safety rules.

To ensure that the increasing number of road accidents involving children is reduced, the Land Transport Authority in partnership with TOTAL Service Stations also launched a school road safety programme last month with TOTAL sponsoring safety equipment for about 200 schools in the country.


Story by: Vijay Narayan