The Australian Government has committed FJD $33 million to improve education and health infrastructure across Fiji.
The Fiji Social Infrastructure Program was officially launched 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 new program will initially focus on building new school infrastructure and strengthening institutional capacity within Fiji’s Ministries of Education and Health Asset Management Units to better maintain assets.
The new infrastructure program forms part of the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership, an agreement built on mutual trust, respect, and a commitment to Australia and Fiji working together to ensure a peaceful and prosperous region.
In his remarks, High Commissioner McDonald recognized the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Prasad and Minister Radrodro in improving the quality of education in Fiji. “Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society,” McDonald said. “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 build on the findings of a comprehensive infrastructure audit that is currently underway. The audit is assessing 86 schools in Suva and Nausori to identify critical challenges such as classroom overcrowding and priority maintenance needs. Insights from the audit will shape efforts to ensure that infrastructure investments are targeted, efficient, and impactful. The investment in school infrastructure complements Australia’s existing education program, which supports Ministry of Education priorities.
Prof Prasad noted the importance of the audit, saying, “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 prioritized decisions about support that benefit as many children in Fiji as possible.”
Minister for Education Radrodro spoke of the current Coalition Government 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. 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.”
At the launch event, Fiji and Australia also recognized 26 students from Jagindra Singh Primary School who were presented with an inaugural Vuvale Award for making a positive impact on the school community. Head of School, Kamal Lal, was pleased to host the event and said the award will boost students’ morale and encourage them to reach their academic potential.
The Fiji Social Infrastructure Program is the successor to the Cyclone Recovery Program. The Cyclone Recovery Program is building nine schools in Vanua Levu that sustained heavy damage from Tropical Cyclone Yasa and is refurbishing the Taveuni and Kadavu Hospitals. Similar to the Cyclone Recovery Program, the infrastructure delivered through the new Fiji Social Infrastructure Program will be constructed to withstand Category 5 cyclones, use local labor and locally sourced materials, be equipped with solar power and rainwater tanks, and will be accessible for students with disabilities.