The Australian Government has pledged FJD $33 million to enhance education and health infrastructure throughout Fiji.
The Fiji Social Infrastructure Program was inaugurated at Jagindra Singh Primary School by Deputy Prime Minister Prof Biman Prasad, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, and Australian High Commissioner to Fiji and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Ewen McDonald.
This new initiative will initially focus on developing new school infrastructure and bolstering the institutional capacities of Fiji’s Ministries of Education and Health Asset Management Units to ensure better maintenance of assets.
The program is part of the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership, a commitment based on mutual trust, respect, and collaboration between Australia and Fiji to maintain a peaceful and prosperous region.
In his remarks, High Commissioner McDonald lauded the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Prasad and Minister Radrodro in enhancing education quality in Fiji. He emphasized the vital role of education, stating, “Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive economic growth, fosters innovation, and promotes social cohesion. Australia recognises the importance of investing in education to secure a brighter future for Fiji.”
The program builds on the findings of an ongoing comprehensive infrastructure audit, which assesses 86 schools in Suva and Nausori to identify critical challenges such as classroom overcrowding and priority maintenance needs. Insights from this audit will ensure that infrastructure investments are targeted, efficient, and impactful, complementing Australia’s existing education initiatives aligned with the Ministry of Education’s priorities.
Prof Prasad highlighted the audit’s significance, noting, “the audit will map the infrastructure needs at a vast number of schools. By having this evidence base, we will be better equipped to make prioritised decisions about support that benefit as many children in Fiji as possible.”
Minister for Education Radrodro discussed the current Coalition Government’s priorities in the education sector. “As announced last week in the 2024-25 National Budget, the Coalition Government has allocated record high funding to the education sector. Prioritisation of our own resources, coupled with our partnership with development partners like the Government of Australia, reflects the commitment we have to providing a brighter future for the children of Fiji.”
At the launch event, 26 students from Jagindra Singh Primary School were honored with the inaugural Vuvale Award for their positive impact on the school community. Head of School, Kamal Lal, expressed satisfaction in hosting the event and noted that the award would boost students’ morale and encourage them to reach their academic potential.
The Fiji Social Infrastructure Program succeeds the Cyclone Recovery Program, which has rebuilt nine schools in Vanua Levu damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa and renovated the Taveuni and Kadavu Hospitals. Similar to the Cyclone Recovery Program, the new infrastructure will be designed to withstand Category 5 cyclones, utilize local labor and materials, be equipped with solar power and rainwater tanks, and be accessible to students with disabilities.