FNU’s CHE students during their classes at Natabua Campus.

Teachers play a crucial role in a child’s life as they directly impact the lives of children by imparting knowledge to create a better future for them. With the COVID-19 pandemic having an unprecedented impact on school life, teachers need to strengthen their teacher trainer capacity to keep their skillset relevant in the evolving education landscape.

Fiji National University (FNU) is providing an opportunity to primary school teachers to thrive in today’s transformational education paradigm by enrolling in the Bachelor of Education (Primary –In-service) programme to upgrade their qualifications.

Offered by FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE), the programme is available for primary school teachers to upskill their teacher training certificate or a diploma to an undergraduate degree.

According to Acting Head of Department, Primary and Early Childhood Education, Dr Sofia Ali, primary school teachers undertaking the programme will acquire new teaching methodologies, which will allow them to transfer the new knowledge to students in a positive manner.

Dr Sofia Ali.

“The primary purpose of the in-service programme is to enable teachers to acquire new understanding and instructional skills as the programme focuses on creating learning environments that would allow teachers to develop their effectiveness in the classroom.”

“Whether you are an accredited in-service teacher looking to switch from secondary to primary or early childhood education to primary, this degree gives you the option to upskill to a new teaching sector.”

“With FNU, you will hone your resourcefulness, your skills, and your expertise to become an in-demand teacher — with the freedom to choose your next direction. In addition, the programme provides additional professional development for teachers and requires them to explore current issues in education while reflecting on their own teaching experiences in educational settings.”

Dr Ali said the programme prepares teachers to work as educators in the various cultural environment at primary school levels in Fiji and the Pacific.

“Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (In-Service- Primary) are trained teachers, and as such, have increased opportunities for advancement within the education sector. In addition, the career opportunities for multi-skilled teachers are growing every year, not locally but also globally. The FNU Bachelor of Education (In-Service) is uniquely placed to help you respond to these opportunities by enhancing your relevancy and career options in a rapidly evolving profession.”

“The programme will allow you to develop your knowledge and refine your skills in leadership, critical thinking, intercultural competence, classroom management, evaluation, and assessment- all essential to an effective teacher’s role,” said Dr Ali.

The programme will be available at Derrick Campus in Samabula, Suva, Natabua Campus in Lautoka and Nasinu, and Labasa campuses via face-to-face/blended and online learning.

Interested students can visit the FNU website on www.fnu.ac.fj  to learn more. Enrolment for Semester 2, 2021 is currently underway.

Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on enrolment.