VTU calls on ministry to reconsider 4-term school year

Oct 20, 2025 | News | 0

The Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU), representing over 3,000 members, calls on the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) to reconsider its decision to implementing a four-term calendar school year in all government starting next year.

Secretary General (SG) Jonathan Yona said the ministry should not use the teachers’ strike to make up for the lost learning time.

He said the ministry acted too quickly and should first consult with parents, school principals, teachers and students before moving forward with the change.

Yona stressed that a four-year term means additional costs for parents, many of whom still owe fees for the current three-year term.

“Also, the timing of the terms is not consistent, with the first and second terms lasting 12 weeks each, and the other two only eight weeks each,” he said.

“In a normal three-term calendar, students start to tire around week 10. While most schools have 12/13 weeks per term, end-of-year tests and assessments usually happen by week 9 or 10, with the remaining weeks used for recreational activities.

“VTU will only support the four-term calendar if the ministry considers the views of students and does not use the teachers’ strike to make up for lost time.

“If the ministry decides to move forward with the four-term calendar, VTU is requesting that each term be 10 weeks long, with two weeks for holidays. Even with a five-term system, without proper investment in teachers, quality teaching will not be achieved.”

Meanwhile, MoET has reassured parents and guardians in a statement that school development and boarding fees will not be increased due to the increased number of terms, but will be spread over the four terms.

“This means that the total annual amount remains the same, but the payment will be divided into four smaller instalments to align with the new calendar.”

The ministry explained that the school calendar shift from three to four terms aims to ensure better curriculum coverage, more balanced workloads for teachers and students, and adequate rest breaks throughout the year.

“The three weeks long break will also give time for extra-curricular activities such as Vanuatu National Secondary School Games, National Arts Festival. Teachers could also capitalize on this time to attend to capacity building program,” said the ministry.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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