Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without adequate classrooms, years after suffering damage from natural disasters. Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, experienced severe damage due to a landslide in December 2016. Meanwhile, Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since the disasters, students have been relying on temporary accommodations in village halls and community centers as they await the construction of permanent classrooms. The management teams of these schools have made provisional arrangements while they wait for action from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funding to rebuild classrooms at both institutions. However, she acknowledged there are logistical hurdles to overcome.
“We are coordinating with other government ministries to ensure timely delivery of building materials to the schools on the islands,” Kuruleca stated. “The barge must be able to access these locations.”
She emphasized that the ministry, along with affected communities, is eager to see children moved out of tents and into proper educational facilities. Collaborations with communities and corporate partners have been initiated to aid in the rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the prolonged delay, arguing that the ministry should have acted sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We are already in the third term, with students and teachers preparing for exams,” he remarked.
Despite the setbacks, Goundar commended the local school management and villagers for their resourcefulness in providing temporary learning environments, ensuring that education continues for the children. Kuruleca also clarified that there are no other schools in the North facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.