Two maritime schools in Fiji’s 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 affected by a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was struck by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
In the meantime, students have been studying in temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers as they await the construction of new classrooms. The school management teams have made provisional arrangements for students while seeking assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funding for rebuilding the classrooms at both schools. However, she noted that logistical difficulties in transporting construction materials to the islands remain an issue.
“We are working with other government ministries to ensure this is done promptly because the barge must be able to access those schools,” Ms. Kuruleca explained. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment, alongside the affected communities, to prevent students from continuing their education in tents.
Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary, Muniappa Goundar, criticized the delays, suggesting the ministry should have acted sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to arrange for a barge. We are already in the third term, and students and teachers are getting ready for exams,” he stated. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude towards the school management and local villagers for establishing temporary learning environments, allowing education to continue for the children.
Ms. Kuruleca further confirmed that there are no other schools in the North currently facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.