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, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, and Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Ewen McDonald.
This initiative will initially focus on constructing new school facilities and bolstering the institutional capacity of Fiji’s Ministries of Education and Health Asset Management Units to better maintain their assets.
The new infrastructure program is part of the elevated Vuvale Partnership, an agreement based on mutual trust and a commitment to collaboration between Australia and Fiji for regional peace and prosperity. High Commissioner McDonald commended the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Prasad and Minister Radrodro in their efforts to improve education quality in Fiji. He underscored the critical 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 build on the results of a comprehensive infrastructure audit currently underway, assessing 86 schools in Suva and Nausori to identify critical issues like classroom overcrowding and priority maintenance needs. Insights from this audit will guide targeted, efficient, and impactful infrastructure investments. This initiative complements Australia’s existing education program, which supports the Ministry of Education’s priorities.
Prof. Prasad emphasized the importance of the audit, stating, “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 highlighted the current Coalition Government’s priorities in the education sector, noting that the 2024-25 National Budget includes record-high funding for education. He said, “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.”
The event also celebrated 26 students from Jagindra Singh Primary School who received the inaugural Vuvale Award for positively impacting the school community. Kamal Lal, Head of School, expressed pride in hosting the event and noted that the award would boost the students’ morale and encourage academic excellence.
The Fiji Social Infrastructure Program follows the Cyclone Recovery Program, which is rebuilding nine schools in Vanua Levu damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa and refurbishing Taveuni and Kadavu Hospitals. Similar to its predecessor, the new program will ensure that infrastructure is built to withstand Category 5 cyclones, use local labor and materials, and include solar power and rainwater tanks, with facilities accessible to students with disabilities.