Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still operating without proper classrooms, years after they were damaged by natural disasters. Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, suffered significant damage from a landslide in December 2016. Meanwhile, Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since those events, students have been learning in temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers as they await the construction of new classrooms. School management teams have made interim arrangements for students while they wait for assistance 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 the classrooms at these schools. However, she mentioned that there are logistical challenges involved in transporting building materials to these remote locations.
“We are working with other government ministries to expedite this process, as the barge must be able to reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized that both the ministry and the affected communities want to ensure that children do not continue their education in tents.
Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with communities and corporate organizations that have stepped up to assist with rehabilitation efforts.
Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Muniappa Goundar expressed frustration over the delays, stating that the ministry should have made 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,” Mr. Goundar said.
Despite the setbacks, he acknowledged the efforts of school management and villagers in creating temporary learning environments, which have allowed education to continue for the children. Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there are no other schools in the North facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.