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From Tradition to Transformation: A Historical Analysis of Education in Fiji from the Pre-Colonial Era to the 21st Century

Published
Pages 16-21
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Authors

  • Davendra Sharma Lecturer and Course Coordinator. University Wide Programme and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Programme, University of Fiji, Fiji Islands Author

DOI

https://doi.org/10.55640/ijssll-05-11-03 ↗

Abstract

Education in Fiji has evolved through complex historical, cultural, and political transitions that have continuously reshaped its purpose, structure, and identity. This paper traces the historical trajectory of Fijian education from pre-colonial times when learning was grounded in communal life, oral traditions, and the vanua (land, people, and spiritual relationships), to the colonial era that institutionalised Western schooling through missionary influence and British administrative control. During this period, education became a tool for cultural assimilation and social stratification, creating enduring divides between indigenous, Indo-Fijian, and urban populations. Following independence in 1970, Fiji’s education system underwent significant reforms aimed at localisation, nation-building, and equity. However, persistent colonial legacies, socio-economic disparities, and the challenges of globalisation have continued to shape policy directions.

The analysis critically examines key phases of curriculum development, teacher education, language policy, and educational governance within the broader contexts of decolonisation, modernisation, and global competency frameworks. It highlights how recent reforms, including the ongoing review of the Education Act and curriculum modernisation efforts—seek to reconcile traditional knowledge systems with contemporary pedagogical and technological imperatives. Drawing on historical sources, policy documents, and regional scholarship, the paper argues that understanding Fiji’s educational evolution is essential for designing culturally responsive, future-oriented education that balances heritage with innovation. Ultimately, the study underscores education’s transformative role in shaping national identity, promoting social cohesion, and preparing learners for the demands of the 21st-century world.

Keywords

Fiji education history , pre-colonial learning , missionary schooling , decolonisation , curriculum reform , Indigenous knowledge , Education Act review , 21st-century learning , Pacific education

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References

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