Nabua Primary School (NPS), located on the outskirts of Suva, is encountering a significant crisis due to its deteriorating infrastructure, which poses risks to the safety and education of its 900 students. The alarming state of the school has raised pressing concerns about the conditions of public education facilities in urban Fiji.
School manager Ravu Dansey expressed deep worries regarding the campus’s condition, highlighting the challenges faced due to insufficient funds for essential repairs. Despite some relief from donations, these contributions only address immediate needs, leaving the school in a precarious financial situation. The visible signs of neglect include leaking roofs, cracked floors, rusting playground equipment, and overcrowded classrooms, which have transformed the institution from a place of learning to one of mere survival.
Even in the face of these difficulties, the students at NPS remain dedicated to their education, recognizing it as a means for a brighter future. Dansey noted the school’s energetic new management team that is eager to implement positive changes but emphasized the urgent need for support.
In response to the situation, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the deteriorating conditions at the school and recognized it as a matter of concern for the ministry. He urged the school administration to take proactive steps while reminding them that they hold the primary responsibility for maintaining the school environment. The ministry is open to assisting schools, but it is crucial for the management to lead the initiatives for improvement.
Despite previous assistance, such as an $80,000 donation from the Korean Embassy in 2022, the conditions at NPS have not shown significant improvement, illustrating the extent of the challenges faced. Furthermore, Minister for Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh has conducted an inspection and is expected to provide a report on the school’s situation.
Humanitarian organizations like Save the Children Fiji have also highlighted the worrying conditions at NPS, labeling them as “unacceptable” due to the severe health and safety risks involved. The organization’s CEO, Shairana Ali, stated that every child deserves a safe learning environment, urging for immediate intervention from the government and local authorities to address these issues.
The situation at Nabua Primary School reflects a broader national concern regarding the declining infrastructure and overcrowding issues present in urban schools throughout the country. As the government prepares its next budget, prioritizing educational facilities has become increasingly critical.
In light of these challenges, there remains a sense of hope among the staff and students at NBS, as well as from advocacy groups, that with the right attention and resources, the conditions can improve. If the community and government can unite and collaborate on these issues, it paves the way for a more promising educational environment for all students in Fiji.
Summary: Nabua Primary School in Suva is struggling with deteriorating infrastructure that threatens the safety and education of its 900 students. School management is calling for support as conditions worsen despite previous donations. The Education Minister acknowledges the problem but emphasizes that the responsibility lies with school management. Humanitarian organizations are advocating for better conditions. This situation highlights broader issues in Fiji’s urban education facilities, necessitating urgent government attention and support.
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