Buruwa Youth Memorial Primary School: A village-led journey from two wooden blocks to a thriving hub of learning
Born from a shared dream to educate children in four Nawaqadamu, Uto, Vunamoli and Vaqadra villages, Buruwa Youth Memorial Primary School opened in 1992 with just two wooden blocks for Years 1 to 4. Today, the school serves 211 students from Year 1 through Year 8 and stands as a point of pride for the interior of Nadi.
The school’s name honors the youths who helped build it, many of whom later pursued farming and logging in the area. The community’s early sacrifices extended beyond schooling: the four villages collectively donated $1,200 each to lay a power line within the school compound, a move that transformed daily life by improving electricity access. Now, Starlink connectivity has further reduced isolation, though road access remains challenging during heavy rains.
A major milestone in its evolution came with the construction of Nasesevia Secondary School in 2016, providing a pathway for students to continue their education beyond Year 8 without leaving the village. The primary school’s growth has been supported by ongoing community involvement, including the construction of teachers’ quarters funded by the villagers and two more houses soon to be completed with contributions from Vunamoli and Uto.
The school was recently celebrated during its 35th Year Anniversary, with the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, as chief guest. He witnessed first-hand the initiatives that villagers have undertaken to support education, such as government support in the form of two water tanks to address water shortages.
On the academic side, the school recorded a 78 percent pass rate in the 2024 Fiji Eight Year Examinations, a notable improvement that moved it out of the HOPE category. Alumni have found success in various fields, including sports and business. Mereoni Nakesa and Merewai Cumu are players with the Fijian Drua women’s rugby team, while Jone Naikabula has represented Japan in both rugby sevens and the 15s format. One former student is now a bank manager in Nadi.
The community’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Students who excel in athletics have gained scholarships to top schools such as Natabua High School, Suva Grammar School, Adi Cakobau School, and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School. The school’s transport has faced its own challenges; the yellow bus used for student travel is no longer in operation due to the lack of spare parts, so families and the school use their own vehicles to get students to class.
Water security, connectivity, and healthcare remain ongoing concerns. While the village communities contributed to the power line and the government donated water tanks, residents continue to call for a nursing station in the area to ensure timely medical care, especially given the difficult nighttime travel and poor road conditions. When students fall ill, the headteacher and staff must sometimes travel by whatever means available to reach the hospital in Nadi.
A note of thanks was extended to the Minister for Education for his support and presence at the anniversary, underscoring the importance of government engagement with rural communities that invest so much in their children’s futures. The school’s leadership also highlighted the pride they take in housing and supporting their teachers, with the teachers’ quarters funded by villagers and more future housing planned with contributions from neighboring communities.
What this means for Fiji’s rural education landscape is clear: when communities invest in schooling, students gain access to opportunities that can travel far beyond their villages. The BYMPS story illustrates the power of local initiative, resilience, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
Summary: Buruwa Youth Memorial Primary School began in 1992 with two blocks and a mission to serve four villages. It has grown to 211 students, built secondary pathways through Nasesevia, improved electricity and connectivity with village funding and Starlink, and celebrated a 78% FEYE pass rate in 2024. Alumni include elite athletes and professionals, and the community continues to invest in educator housing and essential services, while calling for better road access and local healthcare facilities.
Additional value and potential angles:
– Highlight the role of community-led funding in rural education and how it complements government support.
– Explore opportunities to secure ongoing transport solutions, perhaps partnerships for school buses or community shuttle services.
– Consider a feature on successful alumni to inspire current students and attract donors.
– Suggest planning for a small-scale health outreach post or mobile clinic to address the nursing station request and healthcare access.
– Propose a short explainer on how Starlink and future upgrades could transform learning in remote areas.
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