Nabua Primary School (NPS) in the suburbs of Suva is currently grappling with serious infrastructural issues that threaten the safety and educational experience of its 900 students. The deteriorating state of the school’s facilities has raised urgent concerns about public educational infrastructure in urban areas throughout Fiji.
Ravu Dansey, the school’s manager, highlighted the significant challenges they face due to inadequate funding, which hampers their ability to perform essential repairs. He described the campus’s condition as increasingly desperate, stating that current donations only enable superficial fixes and leave the school in a persistent struggle for financial support. Visible signs of neglect include leaking roofs, cracked floors, rusted playground equipment, and overcrowded classrooms.
Classes are severely overcrowded, resulting in students being packed in tightly, often struggling to concentrate amid the noise of fans that barely circulate air. Mr. Dansey noted that the environment has shifted from one that supports learning to a space where survival takes precedence. Yet, despite these hardships, the students continue to show a strong commitment to their education, viewing it as a means to improve their futures.
The school’s administration remains hopeful, with a new management team eager to implement fresh ideas, but they firmly believe that outside support is urgently needed.
In response to these concerns, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the worsening conditions at the school. While he emphasized that maintaining the school’s upkeep is ultimately the responsibility of the administration, he assured that the Ministry of Education is prepared to assist schools in trouble. Past support, such as an $80,000 donation from the Korean Embassy in 2022, has yielded limited improvements, indicating the grave extent of the issues.
The situation has garnered the attention of humanitarian organizations, including Save the Children Fiji, which labeled the conditions as “unacceptable” and a significant health and safety risk. Chief Executive Officer Shairana Ali asserted that every child deserves a safe learning environment and warned of the occupational hazards faced by teachers and parents due to the neglected facilities.
This troubling scenario at NPS reflects a broader national issue, as similar challenges related to crumbling infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms are increasingly prevalent in urban schools across Fiji. As the government prepares its next budget, there is a pressing need to prioritize the improvement of educational facilities.
In spite of the challenges, the resilience of the NPS community and their commitment to education shines through, offering hope for a brighter future should adequate resources and support be secured.
Summary: Nabua Primary School is facing critical infrastructural challenges that endanger the safety and education of its 900 students. The school’s manager has raised concerns about the inability to keep up with necessary repairs due to a lack of funds. Although government and humanitarian organizations are aware of the situation, the need for urgent support and intervention is critical as the school’s conditions highlight a national issue affecting urban educational facilities. Despite the difficulties, students remain dedicated to their education, reflecting hope for a better future.
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