Two maritime schools in the Northern Division are still operating without proper classrooms 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 was affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these events, students have been attending classes in makeshift shelters, village halls, and community centers, pending the construction of suitable classrooms. School management teams have implemented temporary solutions for students while they await assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, announced that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funding to rebuild classrooms at these schools. However, she noted that logistical challenges exist in transporting building materials to the islands.
“We are collaborating with other government ministries to ensure this process is completed promptly because the barge must reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized that the ministry, like the affected communities, is determined to prevent children from studying in tents.
Additionally, Ms. Kuruleca mentioned that the ministry is working with community members and corporate organizations that have stepped forward to assist with the rehabilitation efforts.
Fiji Teachers Union general secretary Muniappa Goundar criticized the lengthy delay, suggesting the ministry should have acted 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,” Mr. Goundar remarked.
Despite the setbacks, he expressed gratitude towards the school management and local villagers for establishing temporary learning spaces, highlighting that their efforts have allowed education to continue for the children. Ms. Kuruleca confirmed there are no other schools in the North experiencing unresolved damage from natural disasters.