Nabua Primary School (NPS), located in the suburbs of Suva, is currently facing a critical situation as its deteriorating infrastructure poses risks to the safety and education of its 900 students. The school’s declining condition has raised serious concerns regarding the quality of public education facilities in urban areas of Fiji.
School manager Ravu Dansey has expressed his worries about the campus’s state, noting that insufficient funding has hindered efforts to carry out necessary repairs. Despite some assistance from donations, which are limited to immediate fixes, the school finds itself in a continuous struggle for resources to maintain safe and functional learning environments. Visible issues include leaking roofs, cracked floors, rusted playground equipment, and overcrowded classrooms. Mr. Dansey highlighted that classrooms are overcrowded, making it difficult for students to concentrate in an uncomfortable atmosphere.
Nevertheless, students show resilience and remain focused on their education as a pathway to a brighter future. Mr. Dansey has called for support and emphasized that the school’s new management team is filled with enthusiasm and innovative ideas.
From the government side, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro recognized the school’s serious conditions and called on the administration to take more proactive steps while reminding them that upkeep responsibility lies with the school. He assured that the Ministry of Education stands ready to assist, urging the management to seek support. While the school did receive an $80,000 donation from the Korean Embassy last year, it underscores the ongoing challenges.
Humanitarian organizations are also sounding alarms about the school’s conditions. Save the Children Fiji denounced the situation as unacceptable and highlighted the significant health and safety risks it poses to the children. The organization’s CEO, Shairana Ali, stressed that every child deserves a safe and supportive learning environment and called for immediate government intervention.
The situation at NPS reflects a broader national issue regarding the state of urban school facilities across Fiji, with crumbling infrastructure and overcrowding becoming increasingly commonplace. As the government prepares its upcoming budget, prioritizing the improvement of educational facilities is crucial for ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
In conclusion, while Nabua Primary School faces substantial challenges, the determination and commitment shown by its students and staff highlight the potential for positive change. With increased attention from both the community and government, there is hope that necessary resources and support will soon be allocated to address these urgent issues.
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