Fijian, Hindi classes for all Fiji schools

[Harold Schiffman]

Fijian, Hindi classes for all Fiji schools
Tuesday November 20, 2007

Fiji's two major languages, Hindi and Fijian are expected to be taught
from certain classes in all primary and secondary schools around the
country starting next year. The new language policy is expected to be
implemented when Term 2 starts next year.

The Fiji Cabinet today approved the implementation plan for the
language policy based on the use of Fijian, Hindi and English "as a
long-term and sustainable strategy for a peaceful and stable,
multi-ethnic cultural living in Fiji". Minister for Education, Science
and Technology Netani Sukanaivalu said that this new programme will
begin in Term 2, 2008 at all classes 5 at primary schools, and at all
Form 3 levels at secondary schools.

"The courses will start at beginner's level and gradually progress in
proficiency year by year as students progress through schooling, class
by class."

He said that this programme is earmarked to start from class 5 mainly
because classes 1-4 concentrate on socialising the child into the
'schooling' process and on introducing the teaching and learning of
the English language. He said the course structure will comprise two
components - conversational Fijian or Hindi, starting at beginner's
level then progressing to intermediate, then onto an advanced level,
and a component on basic culture studies, that is, Fijian culture or
Hindi culture.

"Part of this component will require students to take part in
situational learning, either by visiting/assisting a family or through
projects to enhance cultural understanding." Sukanaivalu said that
students will be assessed at Class 6, Class 8, Form 4 and Form 6
levels.

"Certificates would be given to students after completion of study at
each level and after passing the assessment tests." He further said
that all teachers and officers at headquarters, divisions and
districts offices and also at teachers' colleges will also undergo the
same language learning programme. Currently, English, and either Hindi
or Fijian is taught based on whether it is an Indian or a Fijian
school. Teaching Hindi and Fijian languages in all schools has long
been proposed in an effort to bring more understanding between the two
races but has never been implemented.

http://babasiga.blogspot.com/2007/11/learning-hindi-and-fijian.html

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