Author: admin_fijitimes

One in three children aged 10 to 14 years in Fiji are overweight or obese, according to 2022 Ministry of Health data, highlighting growing concerns over childhood nutrition and the food environments children are exposed to. The statistic was highlighted during the launch of the Home-Grown School Meals Policy Brief at the Suva Civic Centre, as Fiji looks at ways to improve access to healthier and more nutritious food for children in schools. Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu officially launched the Policy Brief during the policy dialogue, “Putting Children First: Building Healthier Food Environments through Home-Grown…

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Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Ministry of Finance will assist in ensuring teachers affected by salary payment issues receive their outstanding payments. Rabuka says the situation should never have escalated to this point, stressing that teachers who have reported for duty and carried out their responsibilities should not be left uncertain about when they will be paid. He says teachers hold a special responsibility in society and, after parents and families, are among the principal guardians and stewards of Fiji’s young people. Rabuka says the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education must work together to resolve the…

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Speaking to Fiji One News, Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Muniappa Goundar has confirmed that 118 of the 134 teachers affected by the Pay 18 issue are expected to receive their salaries in their bank accounts by this afternoon. Goundar says the FTU’s position remains clear that no teacher should be left without their rightful salary because of administrative or verification processes. He says while the union recognises there may be legitimate verification requirements, teachers have financial commitments including mortgages, rent, food expenses and their children’s education costs. Goundar stresses that a salary is not a discretionary payment, but the…

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