education problem
pp. 33-165 · Read in the full issue
Birth control seen as answer to Fiji education problem
From a Suva correspondent The day when Fiji achieves free primary education for its children depends, to a very great extent, upon the success of the country’s efforts at birth control.
The point was brought home strongly in February by the new Minister for Social Services, Jonate Mavoa, when he said that even if the birthrate continues to fall at its present rate over the next 10 years, Fiji can still expect its population to double in 35 years time.
The Minister, who was opening the Viti Registered Nurses’ Associ ation conference, said it was im possible for a developing country to provide high standards of medical and educational services, unless the maximum investment was made in economic development.
“This in turn requires that the number of dependants in the popula tion is reduced to a reasonable level.
We must do all we can to achieve this goal,” he said.
He pointed out that in 1962, Fiji’s
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birthrate was 40 per thousand. It had now been reduced to about 32 per thousand—and it was hoped that family planning would help bring it down over the next 10 years to about 25 per thousand.
“If this target can be achieved it will mean the annual number of births will remain at about 16,000 and there will be an annual increase in population of about 13,500. The population would still double in 35 years,” he said.
“The achievement of these targets will not only make possible improved standards of material and child health, but will be the means where by Fiji can in time achieve free primary education for all children.
“If we can make our family plan ning work, then the education side of my portfolio can concentrate on providing improved standards of education—instead of vainly trying to catch up with the population growth.
At a time when Fiji is attempting to create order out of its already des perately inadequate and sorely tried education system, the prospect of waiting for a sufficiently low birth rate to relieve the pressure is a grim one indeed.
It’s even grimmer when one realises that family planning is always most successful in educated communities.
If there’s little education, acceptance of family planning is slower ... if there’s no family planning, how can you educate them all?