Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, several years after being damaged by natural disasters. Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, faced significant damage due to a landslide in December 2016. Similarly, Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these events, students have been forced to study in temporary facilities such as village halls and community centers while waiting for new classrooms to be constructed. The management teams at the schools have made temporary arrangements for students as they await intervention from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, indicated that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes plans for rebuilding the classrooms at these institutions. However, she pointed out logistical difficulties related to transporting building materials to the islands.
“We are collaborating with other government ministries to expedite this process because the barge must reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized that both the ministry and the affected communities wish for children to no longer study in tents.
The ministry is working with communities and corporate partners that have offered to assist in the rehabilitation efforts. Meanwhile, Muniappa Goundar, General Secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, has criticized the delay, suggesting the ministry should have taken action much earlier.
“It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We are already in the third term, and students and teachers are preparing for exams,” Mr. Goundar remarked. Despite the ongoing challenges, he expressed gratitude to the school officials and community members for establishing temporary learning environments, which have allowed education to continue for the children.
Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there are currently no other schools in the North facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.