The Archbishop of Suva, Petero Mataca, has called for a recognition of parents as first educators of their children in his submission to his country’s Constitutional Committee
The submission has recommended a provision for a proposed draft Education Decree to be harmonised to recognise the international value of a parent’s right to choose an education for their children.
The submission also recommended the recognition of the management of education institutions, which maintained their special character, in fostering respect for our diversity, and the development and sustainability of our democracy into the future.
Mataca said the mission of education was the integral formation of the human person.
It was much more than teaching children pure sciences, social sciences, mathematics, the English language and vernacular languages, he said.
“Education on values, diversity, tolerance and respect, justice, freedom and the rule of law are crucial.”
“Our experiences of coups and social disruptions in the past 34 years indicated this need but also highlighted the lack of appreciation of the special character that cultures and religions contribute to the education of our people.”
“In this regard, the government of the day must also recognise the special character of cultural and religious education institutions and the enormous benefits these have to strengthening a deeper appreciation of our diversity.”
The Archbishop’s submission also contained recommendations on land tenure, the role of the church in politics, and the environment.
Source
- The Fiji Times
- Image: The Fiji Times
