Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, following significant damage caused by natural disasters several years ago. Laucala District School in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island suffered severe impact 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 shelters, village halls, and community centers as they await the construction of suitable classrooms. School management teams have implemented temporary solutions for students while they anticipate action from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, confirmed that the budget for the financial year 2024-2025 includes funds earmarked for the reconstruction of classrooms at these schools. However, she noted that logistical difficulties pose a challenge.
“We are working to transport building materials to these schools on the islands,” Kuruleca stated. “We are coordinating with other government ministries to resolve this promptly, as the barge must be able to access these schools.” She emphasized that neither the ministry nor the affected communities desire for children to continue their education in makeshift tents.
Additionally, Kuruleca mentioned that they are collaborating with communities and corporate organizations that have offered assistance in the rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the prolonged delays, arguing that 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,” Goundar remarked.
Despite these setbacks, Goundar expressed gratitude to school management and local villagers for their efforts in establishing temporary learning environments, noting, “Their dedication has ensured that education continues for the children.” Kuruleca also confirmed that there are no other schools in the Northern Division facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.