Two maritime schools in the Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, several years after being impacted by natural disasters.
Laucala District School in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island suffered significant damage from 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 attending classes in temporary facilities, such as village halls and community centers, as they wait for the construction of new classrooms.
School management teams have implemented temporary solutions for students while seeking assistance from the Ministry of Education. Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, indicated that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funds to rebuild classrooms at these institutions. However, she pointed out logistical challenges in transporting building materials to the island schools.
“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 both the ministry and the affected communities are eager to avoid having children continue their education in temporary setups.
The ministry is collaborating with local communities and corporate entities that have stepped forward to assist with rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the delays and asserted that the ministry should have taken action sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We’re already in the third term, and students and teachers are getting ready for exams,” Mr. Goundar said.
Despite these setbacks, he expressed gratitude towards school management and local residents for their efforts in establishing temporary learning environments, which have allowed education to continue for the children. Ms. Kuruleca confirmed that there are no other schools in the North with outstanding damage from natural disasters.