Nabua Primary School, located on the outskirts of Suva, is currently grappling with significant challenges due to its deteriorating infrastructure, which poses risks to the safety and education of its 900 students. The school’s infrastructure is in a state of disrepair, prompting grave concerns about the overall condition of public education facilities in urban Fiji.
School manager Ravu Dansey expressed his worries, noting that insufficient funding has hindered their ability to conduct essential repairs. Donations have allowed for some immediate fixes, but they remain inadequate to address the broader issues, leaving the school in a precarious financial position. Visible problems include leaking roofs, cracked floors, rusted playground equipment, and overcrowded classrooms, which Mr. Dansey describes as making learning “a struggle.”
Despite the adverse conditions, the students are dedicated to their education, viewing it as a crucial step towards a better future. Mr. Dansey highlighted the enthusiasm of the new management team, which brings fresh ideas to the table, yet he emphasized the urgent need for support to enhance the school environment.
In response, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the concerns regarding the school’s conditions. He encouraged the school administration to take responsibility for improvements while assuring that the Ministry of Education is willing to assist schools in need. Notably, there has been little visible progress since previous aid, including an $80,000 contribution from the Korean Embassy in 2022, indicating the severity of the issues.
Additionally, humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the situation at Nabua Primary School. Save the Children Fiji characterized the circumstances as “unacceptable,” stressing that all children deserve a safe learning environment free from health and safety risks. The organization underscored the necessity for immediate action from the government and local stakeholders to ensure the welfare of students.
The issues faced by Nabua Primary School reflect a broader national challenge, where crumbling infrastructure and overcrowding are increasingly prevalent in urban schools throughout the country. As the government prepares to draft its next budget, the necessity to prioritize funding for educational facilities has never been clearer.
In light of these difficulties, it is essential for the community, government, and stakeholders to come together in support of Nabua Primary School. With a united effort, improvements can be made, transforming the school into a nurturing learning environment for its students, thereby fostering a brighter future for the next generation.
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