The experience of schooling and discontinuing schooling in Fiji

Abstract

Concerns in Fiji over the ever increasing number of students who, at very young ages and early stages, discontinue schooling have made the exploration of schooling and discontinuing schooling timely. The one-dimensional 'at risk' media representation and public perception of children who discontinue schooling suggest that there is a limited understanding of children and young people's activities outside of the acceptable child spaces of the home and the school. Using a constructionist approach, this thesis uses phenomenological methodology to document and analyse the experiences of children and young people who are schooling and those who discontinue schooling. Data was collected using a questionnaire with children in school and in-depth interviews with children and young people who had discontinued schooling, allowing for the inclusion and active participation of one of the principal stakeholders in education - the children. The findings of the study demonstrate that on the whole, children have very positive experiences of school. The "I like school but...(I wish I could play more) or "I wish I could stay at home but...(I have to come to school so I can get a job later) comments of students however also demonstrate tensions in their understanding of and engagement with schooling. Children have internalised adult and societal expectations of them, with many students identifying the attainment of employment as the most important outcome of schooling. The experiences of children and young people who discontinue schooling suggest that there are two main factors which affect their future pathways: whether they discontinue schooling at the primary school level or at the secondary school level. Children who discontinue schooling at the primary school level often remain in their familial home where they are cared for by the adults. These children are less likely to seek other educational opportunities or employment, even as young adults. On the other hand, children who discontinue schooling at the secondary school level often leave home and seek other accommodation, with many in the urban areas turning to a street existence. Parents and family members are less likely to continue supporting and caring for these older children. This thesis suggests that a more sensitive understanding of children's hopes and experiences of schooling and discontinuing schooling will contribute to a more informed appreciation of a growing problem in Fiji.