Nabua Primary School (NPS), located in the outskirts of Suva, is facing a significant crisis as its deteriorating infrastructure poses serious risks to the safety and education of its 900 students. The condition of the school raises pressing concerns regarding public education facilities in urban areas of Fiji.
School manager Ravu Dansey has expressed profound distress over the school’s aging infrastructure, noting that a lack of funding has hindered necessary repairs. While donations have provided some immediate relief, they have not been sufficient to address the extensive needs of the school, which he described as being “on its knees.” Visible signs of neglect include leaking roofs, cracked floors, rusted playground equipment, and overcrowded classrooms. According to Mr. Dansey, classrooms are overcrowded and uncomfortable, with students struggling to focus in such conditions.
Despite these challenges, students are determined to continue their education, viewing it as a pathway to a better future. Mr. Dansey emphasized the need for support, stating that the new management team is full of energy and innovative ideas but requires assistance urgently.
In response to the school’s plight, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the issue and stressed that the responsibility for school upkeep falls to the management. He encouraged the school administration to adopt proactive measures and assured them that the Ministry of Education stands ready to assist when approached. Notably, even with prior aid, such as an $80,000 donation from the Korean Embassy in 2022, little tangible progress has been made, highlighting the severity of the challenges faced.
Humanitarian organizations have also raised alarms about the situation. Save the Children Fiji described the conditions at NPS as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the significant health and safety risks posed to students. Their CEO, Shairana Ali, stated that every child deserves a safe learning environment and criticized the lack of basic sanitation and education resources. Such neglected facilities not only affect students but also create occupational hazards for teachers and parents.
The challenges faced by Nabua Primary School reflect a wider issue of declining infrastructure and overcrowding in urban schools across the nation. As the government prepares its next budget, the need to prioritize educational facilities becomes increasingly vital for the welfare of students in Fiji.
This situation presents an opportunity for community advocacy and mobilization, highlighting the importance of investing in education and the well-being of future generations. Community members, businesses, and stakeholders can come together to support NPS through fundraising initiatives or volunteer efforts, reinforcing the notion that positive change is possible with collective action.
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