More than 300 students from two maritime schools in the North are still attending classes in tents, years after their classrooms were devastated by cyclones. Dreketi District School in Qamea was destroyed by a landslide in 2016, while Yadua Village School was affected by Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Selina Kuruleca, the permanent secretary of the Education Ministry, explained that they face challenges in rebuilding the schools due to issues with procuring materials, securing timely tenders, and navigating the government processes involved.
Kuruleca mentioned that determining the best method to transport materials to the two islands remains a concern. She noted that teams have already begun scoping work to address the situation. Additionally, some funders have expressed interest in providing materials needed for the reconstruction.
“We want to rebuild these two schools as soon as possible,” Kuruleca said, adding that the budget for the 2024 to 2025 financial year includes provisions for the reconstruction of these schools.