Pacific Education Unions Unite to Address Teacher Shortages and Strengthen Public Education
Education union leaders from across the Pacific Islands gathered to discuss shared challenges and campaign goals under the Go Public! Fund Education initiative. The meeting, held from October 27–31 during the Council of Pacific Education (COPE) triennial conference, brought together representatives from 11 island nations.
Severe Teacher Shortages Threaten Education Quality
Oceania faces an urgent teacher shortage caused by years of underinvestment. According to UNESCO, the region will need 300,000 additional teachers by 2030. Without them, universal access to quality education remains out of reach.
Teacher migration worsens the problem. Many skilled educators move to New Zealand and Australia for better pay and working conditions. In Fiji alone, 600 teachers left in a single year. As a result, small island nations struggle to maintain consistent, high-quality teaching staff.
Unions Push for a Regional Teacher Workforce Commission
COPE delegates urged Fijian officials Aseri Radrodro and Agni Deo Singh to lead the creation of a Pacific Teacher Workforce Commission. This body would address issues such as recruitment, retention, fair pay, and teacher well-being.
Domestic campaigns are already underway. Supported by APHEDA–Union Aid Abroad, Education International is partnering with unions in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Together, they advocate for greater investment in teachers and inclusive public education.
Union leaders emphasized unity and hope. “Each campaign aims to protect teachers’ rights and improve learning for every child,” said Jonathan Yonah of Vanuatu. As one movement, Pacific educators are raising their voices for better funding, fair treatment, and sustainable education systems.
