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 yesterday 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 program will initially focus on constructing new school buildings and bolstering institutional capacity within Fiji’s Ministries of Education and Health Asset Management Units to improve asset maintenance.
The new infrastructure initiative is part of the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership, based on mutual trust, respect, and a commitment to Australia and Fiji working together for a peaceful and prosperous region.
High Commissioner McDonald acknowledged the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Prasad and Minister Radrodro in enhancing education quality in Fiji. At the event, he emphasized the significance 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 recognizes the importance of investing in education to secure a brighter future for Fiji.”
The program will be guided by the findings of a comprehensive infrastructure audit currently underway. This audit is assessing 86 schools in Suva and Nausori to identify issues such as classroom overcrowding and priority maintenance needs. Insights from the audit will help ensure that infrastructure investments are targeted, efficient, and impactful. The investment in school infrastructure complements Australia’s existing education support program, which aligns with the Ministry of Education’s priorities.
Prof Prasad emphasized the importance of the audit, 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 highlighted the current Coalition Government’s priorities in the education sector, stating, “As announced last week in the 2024-25 National Budget, the Coalition Government has allocated record high funding to the education sector. Prioritization 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.”
During the launch event, Fiji and Australia also recognised 26 students from Jagindra Singh Primary School who received the inaugural Vuvale Award for positively impacting the school community. Head of School, Kamal Lal, expressed satisfaction with hosting the event and recognizing their high-achieving students, noting that the award would boost students’ morale and encourage their academic potential.
The Fiji Social Infrastructure Program succeeds the Cyclone Recovery Program. The Cyclone Recovery Program is rebuilding nine schools in Vanua Levu that were heavily damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa and refurbishing the Taveuni and Kadavu Hospitals. Like the Cyclone Recovery Program, infrastructure delivered through the new Fiji Social Infrastructure Program will be built to withstand Category 5 cyclones, utilize local labor and materials, feature solar power, rainwater tanks, and be accessible to students with disabilities.