Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still operating without proper classrooms, years after sustaining damage from natural disasters. The Laucala District School in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island was heavily impacted by a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island suffered damage from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these events, students have been forced to study in temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers as they await the construction of appropriate classrooms. School management teams have implemented temporary arrangements while seeking assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, acknowledged that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes plans to rebuild classrooms at both schools, but noted that logistical issues complicate the process. “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, like the affected communities, the ministry is eager to see children no longer having to study in tents.
The ministry is collaborating with community members and corporate organizations that have offered to assist in the rehabilitation efforts. Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Muniappa Goundar criticized the delay, suggesting the ministry should have arranged for solutions 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, Mr. Goundar expressed gratitude toward the school management and local villagers for their efforts in establishing temporary learning environments, which continue to facilitate education for the children. Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that no other schools in the North are experiencing unresolved damage from natural disasters.