Nabua Primary School (NPS), located on the outskirts of Suva, is grappling with severe infrastructure issues that jeopardize the safety and education of its 900 students. Deteriorating conditions at the school have ignited urgent discussions regarding the overall state of public education facilities in Fiji’s urban regions.
School manager Ravu Dansey expressed deep concerns about the campus’s aging structures, citing insufficient funding as a major barrier to necessary repairs. The school relies on donations for help, but these funds only cover immediate needs and leave the institution in a precarious financial position.
Visible signs of neglect include leaking roofs, cracked floors, rusting playground equipment, and overcrowded classrooms. Mr. Dansey highlighted the distressing reality faced by students, who find themselves jammed together in classrooms, struggling to hear over ineffective fans in sweltering conditions. This alarming situation has transformed the school from a place of learning to one of mere survival.
Despite these challenges, the students remain dedicated to their education, viewing it as a conduit to a brighter future. Mr. Dansey noted that the school’s new management team brings energy and innovative ideas but emphasized the urgent need for support.
In response to the dire conditions, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the situation, labeling it a concern for the ministry. He urged the school’s administration to take initiative, reiterating that school maintenance falls under their jurisdiction. The minister assured that the Ministry of Education is prepared to assist where necessary but encouraged the management to proactively seek support.
Although the school received an $80,000 donation from the Korean Embassy in 2022, minimal advancements in improving the infrastructure have been observed, highlighting the severity of the issue. Additionally, Minister for Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh has confirmed that his team visited the school for inspection, with a report expected to follow.
Humanitarian organizations have also raised alarms about the school’s condition. Save the Children Fiji referred to the circumstances as “unacceptable,” stressing that the existing environment poses serious health and safety hazards. The organization’s CEO, Shairana Ali, asserted that every child deserves a secure learning environment and denounced the lack of basic sanitation and essential educational resources.
The predicament faced by NPS underscores a broader national challenge: declining infrastructure and overcrowding are increasingly prevalent in urban schools across the country. As the government prepares its next budget, prioritizing the enhancement of educational facilities is more vital than ever.
In summary, Nabua Primary School is in urgent need of support to address its crumbling infrastructure and protect the future well-being of its students. With commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders, there is hope for revitalization and improvement of educational standards in Fiji.
Leave a comment