The Chief Guest, Acting Deputy Secretary Professional, Mr Salveen Narayan;
The Acting Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Ms Anaseini Senimoli;
United Nations Development Programme Representatives;
Australian High Commission Officials;
New Zealand High Commission Officials;
Heads of Schools;
Students;
Members of my FEO family; and
Members of the media.
Ara na yadra, and a Victorious Morning to you all.
Today is not simply about launching a set of materials. It is about marking a deliberate step in strengthening democratic participation in Fiji.
We are here to launch the My Election, My Fiji Civic Education resources for year 9 and 10 students. At its core, this initiative is a response to a fundamental question: How do we prepare future voters and leaders to participate meaningfully in our democracy? The answer is simple, but important:
Democracy does not begin at the ballot box. It begins much earlier; in homes, in classrooms, in conversations young people have, as they develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities in shaping the future of this country.
That is why this work matters! And that is why this work has been done deliberately and collaboratively with our partners: the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Programme.
This journey began in 2018, with the launch of the first edition of the curriculum. Under our 2024 to 2027 Strategic Plan, we committed to reviewing and strengthening that foundation to reflect how young people learn today and how democracy continues to evolve.
We recognised that traditional approaches, often theoretical and disconnected from lived experiences, were no longer sufficient. What was needed was a curriculum that is engaging, practical, flexible, and grounded in the realities of Fijian democracy.
Over the past year, this vision has been translated into action through a structured and inclusive process. At the Fijian Elections Office, we believe that democracy is everyone’s responsibility.
A comprehensive review of the 2018 curriculum was undertaken and representatives from 91 secondary schools across Fiji participating in review workshops. Their insights and feedback directly shaped the materials we are launching today. This ensured that the resources were not imposed, but informed by those who will use them most, Our Teachers!
Following the review, curriculum specialists from the Ministry of Education, UNDP and the Fijian Elections Office worked together to develop the My Election, My Fiji Student Workbook and Teacher Guide. These resources are not static documents. They are practical teaching and learning tools designed for real classroom use.
To ensure this, the materials were piloted in 67 secondary schools across urban, rural, and maritime areas. This phase allowed us to test the resources in classroom environments, across different conditions, and with diverse student needs.
The feedback received from both teachers and students was not only valuable, but it was also transformative. What we are launching today are therefore, not based on assumptions, but on what has been tested, refined, and proven to work.
Today, the Ministry of Education receives a complete and practical package of resources including:
- Student Workbooks;
- Teacher Guides; and
- USB drives with curriculum content and animations.
Each component has been designed with practicality and accessibility in mind. We recognise that not all schools operate under the same conditions. Access to printing and teaching resources varies, this is why durability, usability, and adaptability were considered.
At the heart of this initiative is a simple but powerful principle: Equity. All students, whether in urban, rural, or maritime schools, must have access to the same quality of civic education. Because every citizen matters! Every voice matters! And every vote matters!
Later this year, we will further strengthen these resources through the development of audiobook and braille versions, working closely with inclusion experts and disability advocates to ensure accessibility for all learners.
The inclusion of digital content and animations reflects how students engage with information today, helping simplify complex ideas and make learning more engaging.
The FEO has led the development and testing of these resources, and the Ministry of Education will now lead the rollout, integration, and long-term delivery within the school system. This is not a one-off initiative. It is part of a long-term commitment to embed civic education as a permanent and evolving component of Fiji’s education framework.
These resources are meant to be used, not stored away. Their true value will come from how they are discussed, explored, and brought to life in classrooms across the country. The nationwide rollout later this year will build on the strong foundation already established, supported by continued monitoring, learning, and improvement.
Success will not just be measured by distribution, but by how confidently students engage with these ideas and understand their role in society.
At its core, this initiative is about building informed, confident young people, who understand their place in Fiji and are prepared to take part in shaping its future. Because, when we invest in Civic Education, we invest in the future of Fiji’s democracy.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
