FIVE YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2021 3.1.5 35 EDUCATION “Quality education for all” Quality education for all is essential to create a more skilled and adaptable workforce and create a knowledgebased society. The Constitution guarantees the right of every child to early-childhood, primary, secondary and further education. A number of bold initiatives have been introduced to improve the provision of quality education. Universal access to primary education has been achieved, and net secondary school enrolment is over 80 percent. With the free-education initiative, free bus fares and free textbooks, enrolment numbers have increased significantly. More teachers have been recruited, and continuous hiring of quality teachers will continue to improve the teacherto-student ratio for rural and urban areas. The free-education policy will continue together with other financial assistance. Further budgetary support will be provided for construction and upgrading of new and existing school facilities and equipment, including the rehabilitation of schools damaged by Cyclone Winston. Early childhood education (ECE) is continually being improved as these formative years play a vital role in shaping social, emotional and learning outcomes for the future. To achieve universal access to early childhood education, an ECE centre will be attached to each primary school. Grants will continue to be provided for facility upgrades, development of new centres and improving the quality of ECE teachers. The provision of grant funding to three major universities has improved tertiary education infrastructure and facilities as well as the quality of teaching and learning. Tertiary education scholarships and the loan scheme have also increased access and affordability for all tertiary students. The Toppers scholarship initiative will continue to be aligned to medium-term priority areas for socioeconomic development. Government has increased investment in trade and vocational skills with establishment of technical colleges around the country. The focus on skills development and meeting future industry needs will continue to be a key priority. The curriculum will continually be reviewed and strengthened to achieve national objectives. There are unacceptable rates of obesity-related illnesses and NCDs in adults, youth suicide, drug and alcohol misuse, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence and sexual violence against women and girls. Incorporating contemporary thematic areas in educational curriculum such as cultural diversity, gender, nutrition, respectful relationships, drugs and alcohol, climate change and the environment will enrich students’ understanding of wider social issues. A digital literacy programme has been introduced to encourage teachers and students to benefit from e-learning. This initiative will be expanded and rolled out to the entire education system in a phased approach. A safe and inclusive learning environment will be promoted. Education for persons with special needs will continue to be promoted through grants to specials schools. Health and wellness programmes will continue.