Nabua Primary School (NPS), located on the outskirts of Suva, is grappling with a pressing crisis as its deteriorating infrastructure poses a risk to the safety and education of its 900 students. The school’s crumbling conditions have sparked urgent discussions about the state of public education facilities in urban Fiji.
Ravu Dansey, the school manager, expressed grave concerns about the poor state of the campus, explaining that a lack of financial resources has hindered essential repairs. With donations providing only temporary relief, he noted that the school is “on its knees” and struggling to secure necessary funds for maintenance. Visible signs of neglect include leaking roofs, cracked floors, rusted playground equipment, and overcrowded classrooms.
Dansey highlighted the unbearable conditions in overcrowded classrooms where students sit shoulder to shoulder, often unable to hear their teachers over the inadequate cooling systems. Despite these significant challenges, students remain dedicated to their studies, viewing education as a crucial avenue for a brighter future. He emphasized the potential of their new management team, eager to implement innovative solutions, though support from external sources is critical.
The situation has drawn attention from government officials. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the school’s worsening conditions and reiterated that while the ministry is ready to assist, the responsibility for school upkeep lies with the administration. He encouraged the school management to take proactive steps to improve conditions and seek support when needed.
Past contributions, such as an $80,000 donation from the Korean Embassy in 2022, have not resulted in significant improvements, reflecting the breadth of the challenges faced.
Additionally, humanitarian groups have raised alarms regarding the hazardous conditions at NPS. Shairana Ali, the chief executive officer of Save the Children Fiji, deemed the situation “unacceptable” and emphasized that every child deserves a safe learning environment. She underscored the urgent need for intervention from the government and community stakeholders.
The plight of Nabua Primary School is emblematic of a broader issue affecting urban schools throughout the country, where crumbling infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms are becoming increasingly common. As the government prepares its upcoming budget, prioritizing improvements to educational facilities is more crucial than ever.
In a hopeful light, the awareness generated by this situation may push for more immediate actions to enhance the learning conditions for children and provide them with a safer, more supportive educational environment.
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