The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has directed a ministry team to investigate reports that Valelawa Primary School in Macuata continues to conduct classes in tents. Concerns have emerged regarding the learning conditions for students in years three to six at this school, with claims that they have been attending classes under recycled tents for over six months due to damage inflicted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.

Radrodro acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He stated, “I will send a team from the ministry in Labasa to find out,” after being made aware of claims regarding potential mismanagement of funds by the school’s management. There are reports of students also using classrooms in tents that were previously utilized as goat sheds, highlighting a dire need for improved school facilities.

Hemant Kumar, a trustee of the school, told officials that earlier this year, the foundation of the school’s wooden structure was deemed unsafe, prompting management to alert the Ministry of Education. Following this, an inspection by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) determined there were no termite problems. Consequently, the ministry arranged for the provision of two tents, which had previously been used at Dreketi Primary School, also impacted by the cyclone.

However, the tents have proven inadequate. They are old, prone to leaking during heavy rain, and excessively hot without adequate ventilation. Approximately 70 students and four teachers have endured these conditions, emphasizing the urgent need for a secure and functional learning environment.

Local parents have expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the situation, with one parent lamenting that no formal meeting has been organized to clarify the shift to tent classes. Comparisons have been made by students about their learning conditions to animal shelters, illustrating the discomfort posed by their educational setting.

Amid these challenges, the school management has announced a two-day bazaar scheduled for October 19-20 to raise $1,500 intended to open a bank account in Labasa Town and eventually fund construction and improvements. School manager Dhirendra Prasad noted that while efforts are being made to develop a preschool facility, the need for permanent classrooms for older students must also be addressed.

This dire educational situation exemplifies the ongoing struggles of rural schools in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of community support and government intervention. Despite the challenges, there is hope that solutions can be pursued to enhance the learning atmosphere for the students at Valelawa Primary School, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve.