Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, several years after they were affected by natural disasters. Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, suffered significant damage from a landslide in December 2016. Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these incidents, students have been attending classes in temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers while awaiting the construction of proper classrooms. School management teams have made interim arrangements for the students as they await support from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, has confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes allocations for rebuilding classrooms at these schools. However, she noted that there are logistical challenges involved.
“We are working to transport building materials to these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca explained. “We are collaborating with other government ministries to ensure this happens in a timely manner since the barge must reach these schools.”
She added that the ministry, like the affected communities, is eager to end the situation where children are studying in tents. “We are partnering with communities and corporate organizations that have stepped in to assist with the rehabilitation efforts.”
Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the delays, stating that the ministry should have made arrangements 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 said.
Despite the setbacks, he expressed gratitude towards school management and villagers for their efforts in creating temporary learning spaces. “Their contributions have ensured that learning continues for the children.”
Ms. Kuruleca further confirmed that there are no other schools in the Northern Division facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.