Government expects racial lines will be crossed in its zoning policy introduced to schools last year.
Peceli Vocea, Fiji's representative to the European Union, while addressing the 81st Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Geneva, Switzerland last week said the proactive approach by the government through the Ministry of Education would see young Fijians growing up with a curriculum that promoted shared values and an appreciation for one another as Fijians.
"7.6 per cent of schools in Fiji with names that have ethnic connotations have now had their names changed," Mr Vocea said.
"And with its new zoning policy, the government hopes it will improve the quality of education and eliminate schooling preferences which were previously based on racial lines."
He told the committee the teaching of conversational iTaukei and Hindi languages was also now compulsory in all schools.
Mr Vocea admitted they, however, still faced challenges in the placement of teachers in certain schools and zoning for rural schools.
"The government is committed to the full implementation of these policies," he added.