The Australian Government has dedicated 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 initiative will begin with constructing new school facilities and bolstering the capacity of Fiji’s Ministries of Education and Health Asset Management Units to improve asset maintenance.
The new program is part of the renewed Vuvale Partnership, highlighting mutual trust, respect, and a joint commitment by Australia and Fiji to foster a peaceful and prosperous region.
High Commissioner McDonald saluted the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Prasad and Minister Radrodro in enhancing Fiji’s education quality. He emphasized the crucial 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 will utilize insights from an ongoing comprehensive infrastructure audit assessing 86 schools in Suva and Nausori, identifying issues like classroom overcrowding and maintenance priorities. These findings will guide targeted, efficient, and impactful infrastructure investments.
Prof Prasad underscored the audit’s significance, explaining that it will map out the infrastructure needs of many schools, providing a basis for prioritizing support to benefit as many children in Fiji as possible.
Minister for Education Radrodro highlighted the Coalition Government’s record high funding for the education sector as announced in the 2024-25 National Budget. He noted that prioritizing resources, along with partnerships like the one with Australia, demonstrates a commitment to providing a brighter future for Fiji’s children.
During the launch, 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 his pleasure in hosting the event and noted that the award would boost students’ morale and academic potential.
The Fiji Social Infrastructure Program follows the Cyclone Recovery Program, which is reconstructing nine schools in Vanua Levu and refurbishing Taveuni and Kadavu Hospitals. The new program aims to deliver infrastructure capable of withstanding Category 5 cyclones, using local labor and materials, equipped with solar power and rainwater tanks, and accessible for students with disabilities.