Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, several years after they were damaged by natural disasters. Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, suffered significant damage from a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School, located on Yadua Island in Bua, was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
In the aftermath of these events, students have been attending classes in makeshift shelters, village halls, and community centers as they await the construction of permanent classrooms. School management teams have arranged temporary accommodations for students, relying on support from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, stated that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funds for rebuilding classrooms at these schools, but she noted logistical challenges in transporting building materials to the islands. Kuruleca emphasized the need to work closely with other government ministries to facilitate swift delivery, as the barge must be able to reach the schools.
She expressed a shared desire with affected communities to prevent children from continuing their education in tents. The ministry is also collaborating with communities and corporate organizations to assist with the rehabilitation efforts.
However, Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the delays, arguing that the ministry should have taken action earlier. He pointed out that four years should be sufficient time to organize logistical arrangements, especially as students and teachers are preparing for exams in the third term.
Despite these challenges, Goundar commended the school management and local villagers for their efforts in creating temporary learning spaces, ensuring that education continues for the students. Kuruleca confirmed that there are no other schools in the North facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.