Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, years after being impacted by natural disasters. The Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, was heavily damaged in December 2016 due to a landslide. Meanwhile, Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua endured destruction from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since the incidents, students have been learning in makeshift accommodations, such as temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers, as they await the construction of new classrooms. School management teams have established interim arrangements while looking for assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, revealed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes allocations to rebuild classrooms at these institutions. However, she noted that there are logistical obstacles to transporting building materials to the islands. “We are collaborating with other government ministries to ensure this is completed promptly because the barge must be able to reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated.
She expressed that, like the affected communities, the ministry does not want children to continue their education in tents. The ministry is working with local communities and corporate partners to support the rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the delay in the process, suggesting that arrangements should have been made sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We are already in the third term, and students and teachers are preparing for exams,” Mr. Goundar remarked.
Despite the setbacks, he commended the school management and local villagers for creating temporary learning environments, stating, “Their efforts have ensured that learning continues for the children.” Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there were no other schools in the North facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.