Acting Dean of the Fiji National University’s College of Humanities, Education and Law, Associate Professor Dr Lavinia Tiko (first from left), next to the Senior Early Childhood Education Curriculum Officer from the Ministry of Education, Mr Laiyakini Marasaya, Childhood Education International representative, Ms Yvette Murphy and Ms Vaciseva Rarako from the Fiji Early Childhood Association.

Academics and representatives from the Fiji National University (FNU), Childhood Education International (CEI), the Ministry of Education (MoE), and the Fiji Early Childhood Teachers Association (FECTA) recently met to discuss a collaborative initiative to strengthen teacher professional development in Fiji.

The Acting Dean of FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL), Associate Professor Dr Lavinia Tiko, emphasised the transformative potential of the programme, during the discussions.

“By investing in our teachers, we are investing in the future of every child in Fiji. This pilot is not just about professional development, it is about building a stronger, more resilient education system for Fiji and the Pacific,” said Dr Tiko.

Dr Tiko added that Fiji has the opportunity to lead the region in early childhood education.

“This hybrid model combines global best practices with local innovation, ensuring teachers are equipped to meet the needs of young learners in diverse contexts,” Dr Tiko reiterated. 

She further stated that the meeting reaffirmed collective commitments to stronger partnerships, improved teacher capacity through hybrid training, positioning Fiji as a regional centre of excellence for Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) and ensuring sustainable and scalable support for the foundation years.

Dr Tiko highlighted that the Yavu Duavata Pilot initiative is envisioned as a cornerstone in advancing teacher professional development, improving learning outcomes, and reinforcing Fiji’s leadership role in early childhood education across the Pacific.

The initiative named, Yavu Duavata: Fiji Hybrid ECED Teacher Professional Development Pilot, is funded by the World Bank, and will contribute to the national priority of strengthening the foundational years of education in Fiji and establishing the country as a regional hub for Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED).