Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still operating without proper classrooms, following significant damage from natural disasters years ago. Laucala District School in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island was heavily affected by a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua suffered damage from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these incidents, students have been forced to study in temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers while waiting for new classrooms to be built. School administrators have made interim arrangements as they seek intervention from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funding to rebuild classrooms at these institutions. However, she acknowledged the logistical challenges involved in transporting building materials to the remote schools on the islands.
“We are working with other government ministries to complete this in a timely manner because the barge must be able to reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized that the ministry, like the affected communities, is eager for students not to continue learning in tents. The ministry is also collaborating with communities and businesses that are willing to assist in the rehabilitation efforts.
Fiji Teachers Union general secretary, Muniappa Goundar, voiced criticism regarding the delays, suggesting that the ministry should have started making arrangements sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We’re already in the third term, and students and teachers are preparing for exams,” he remarked.
Despite the setbacks, Goundar expressed gratitude to the school management and local villagers for their efforts in creating makeshift learning spaces, ensuring that education continues for the students. Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there are no other schools in the North facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.