FULL REFERENCE: Tiko, L. (2025). Strengthening policy implementation and system coordination for equitable early childhood development in Fiji. NZ International Research in Early Childhood Education Journal, 27, 83-96.
ABSTRACT: This paper critically explores the challenges and opportunities in strengthening policy implementation and system coordination for equitable Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Fiji. It interrogates the effectiveness of the 2024 to 2028 National ECD Policy and the 2025 Pre-Primary Policy, focusing on persistent disparities in resource distribution, professional development, and infrastructure between urban and rural ECE centres. The paper highlights fragmented inter-ministerial coordination among the Ministries of Education, Health, and Women and Children, revealing operational silos and inconsistent planning mechanisms. Situated within the broader context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the analysis emphasises the importance of culturally grounded, community-led approaches rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. The commentary calls for a paradigm shift in ECD policy implementation, one that centres equity, resilience, and local agency to build inclusive and sustainable early childhood systems across Fiji and the Pacific.
KEY WORDS: Early Childhood Development, Policy Implementation, System Coordination.
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Introduction
Strengthening policy implementation and system coordination is central to achieving equitable Early Childhood Development (ECD) outcomes in Fiji. As the nation advances its commitment through the 2024 to 2028 National ECD Policy and the 2025 Pre-Primary Education Policy, the urgency to bridge the gap between policy aspirations and practical realities becomes increasingly evident. These policies mark a strategic shift toward holistic child development, yet their success hinges on effective inter-ministerial collaboration, equitable resource distribution, and culturally responsive implementation.
Fiji’s ECD landscape is shaped by the complexities of being a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), where geographic isolation, climate vulnerability, and socio-economic disparities pose unique challenges. Fragmented coordination among key ministries, Education, Health, and Women, Children and Social Protection, has led to operational silos, inconsistent planning, and uneven service delivery, particularly in rural and maritime regions. Moreover, the lack of shared accountability mechanisms and integrated data systems continues to hinder progress.
