Many schools are in poor condition and devoid of basic materials. Poverty forces many children to drop out of education and many do not continue beyond primary school level. There is a very limited access to kindergarten schools and educational programmes for pre-school infants. Away from the classroom, there is a severe lack of extracurricular activities. Children in rural communities are often forced into a future of limited education and opportunity. Children, especially in the outer islands have no access to sporting clubs, sports equipment or resources, and a lack of sports structure and development within schools and communities.
Youth unemployment
There have been increases in youth crime and drug abuse in Fiji due to lack of work opportunities, limited positive role models and an absence of organised youth schemes and extra-curricular activities. Within Fijian society both women and young adults face additional hurdles. Women are less likely to receive tertiary education or gain access to jobs. Youth unemployment and urban drift are increasing in Fiji, with rural communities left with a severe lack of skills, training, support and available income.