Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still operating without proper classrooms, several years after suffering damage from natural disasters. Laucala District School in Dreketi Village, 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 setups such as village halls and community centers, awaiting the establishment of proper classroom facilities. School management teams have organized interim arrangements for students as they wait for action from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, confirmed that the upcoming 2024-2025 financial year budget includes plans to build new classrooms at the affected schools. However, she noted that there are logistical obstacles to overcome.
“We are working on transporting building materials to these schools on the islands,” Ms. Kuruleca stated, emphasizing the necessity for timely action since the barges must reach the locations. She expressed a shared concern with the community regarding the continuation of education in tents.
The ministry is collaborating with communities and corporate organizations that have volunteered to assist in the rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the prolonged delay, suggesting that the ministry should have taken action sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We’re already in the third term, and students and teachers are preparing for exams,” he remarked.
Despite the setbacks, Mr. Goundar expressed gratitude towards the school management and villagers for their efforts in creating temporary learning environments, noting that these initiatives have allowed education to persist for the children. Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that no other schools in the Northern Division are experiencing unresolved damage from natural disasters.