Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua features on the front page of The Fiji Times for Wednesday, July 31. There is also a detailed coverage on Pages 2 and 3, where the Minister discusses drug-related issues, the challenges he faces, and his plans, which potentially include arming a special narcotics team to handle highly dangerous individuals. He addresses the role of ‘worker ants’ involved in drug peddling, the need for commitment, transparency, self-discipline, unity, and public involvement in this battle. He also emphasizes accountability.
In addition, the special Kaila! edition is available every Wednesday, aimed at providing something different and beneficial for young readers.
More than 300 students from two maritime schools in the North continue to study in tents, over three years after natural disasters destroyed their classrooms. This situation persists despite significant education budget allocations. The Ministry of Education received $450.6 million in the 2020-2021 Budget and $778 million in the recent budget announced in June. While students struggle under challenging conditions, there must be efforts to provide a conducive learning environment for them.
The delays in rebuilding have been attributed to bureaucratic hurdles and procurement challenges. Schools affected include Dreketi District School, destroyed by a landslide in 2016, and Yadua Village School, impacted by Cyclone Yasa in 2020. Teams are currently assessing how best to transport materials to these islands.
Students in Cogea, Vanua Levu, have also faced challenges, now walking up to a kilometer to reach roads where they can catch transport to school due to a lack of rural service vehicle providers. Ms. Kuruleca highlighted the requirement for these providers to serve authorized routes.
These situations underscore the significant obstacles faced by educational institutions and students in remote and disaster-affected areas. There is an urgent need for effective solutions to ensure minimal educational disruptions and stable, supportive learning environments for all students.
The pressing question is whether there is the political will to urgently address and overcome these obstacles in our education system.