Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still operating without appropriate classrooms, several years after suffering damage from natural disasters. Laucala District School in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island was significantly impacted by a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these incidents, students have been using temporary structures, village halls, and community centers for their education while waiting for proper classrooms to be built. The management teams at these schools have arranged temporary learning environments but are relying on assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funds to rebuild classrooms at these schools, though she acknowledged the logistical difficulties involved. “Transporting building materials to these schools on the islands is a challenge,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized that the ministry is collaborating with other government departments to expedite the process, as it is crucial for the barge to reach these schools.
The ministry is keen to avoid having children continue their studies in tents and is working with communities as well as corporate organizations willing to help with rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the delays, arguing that the ministry should have taken steps sooner. “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,” he remarked. Nonetheless, he expressed gratitude to the school management and local communities for their efforts in establishing temporary learning areas, acknowledging that these initiatives have allowed education to persist.
Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed there are currently no other schools in the North facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.