Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without adequate classrooms, years after suffering significant damage from natural disasters. Laucala District School in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island was impacted by a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since the incidents, students have been learning in temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers while awaiting the construction of proper facilities. The management teams at both schools have made interim arrangements for the students, hoping for intervention from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funds for rebuilding the classrooms at these institutions. However, she noted that there are logistical challenges involved in transporting building materials to the island schools.
“We are coordinating with other government ministries to ensure this process is completed promptly so that the barge can reach the schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized the ministry’s desire, like that of the affected communities, for children to move out of tents and into proper learning environments. The ministry is also collaborating with community members and corporate organizations to facilitate the rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the delays, arguing that the ministry should have organized the necessary arrangements sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to arrange for a barge. We are already in the third term, and students and teachers are preparing for exams,” Mr. Goundar expressed.
Despite the challenges, he commended the school management and local villagers for their resourcefulness in creating temporary learning spaces, ensuring that education continues for the children. Ms. Kuruleca confirmed that there are no additional schools in the Northern Division facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.