Nabua Primary School (NPS), located on the outskirts of Suva, is grappling with a severe crisis as its crumbling infrastructure poses significant risks to the safety and education of its 900 students. The deteriorating condition of the school has raised pressing concerns regarding the state of public education facilities in urban areas of Fiji.
School manager Ravu Dansey expressed his deep alarm over the neglected campus, attributing its decline to a severe lack of funding, which has hindered essential repairs. He noted that while donations provide temporary relief, they are insufficient to address the ongoing and extensive maintenance needs. The visible signs of neglect include leaking roofs, cracked floors, rusted playground equipment, and overcrowded classrooms. Mr. Dansey lamented the overcrowded conditions where students struggle to focus amidst noisy fans attempting to cool the stifling air, stating that the school environment has shifted from one of learning to merely surviving.
Despite these challenges, the students at NPS are determined to continue their education, viewing it as a gateway to a better future. Mr. Dansey pointed to the new management team’s enthusiasm and innovative ideas, emphasizing the urgent need for external support.
In response to the situation, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the deteriorating conditions of the school, describing it as a concern for the education ministry. He highlighted that while the ministry is willing to assist, the responsibility for maintaining school facilities lies primarily with the school administration. He encouraged the management to take proactive steps and reach out for support.
Despite past aid, including an $80,000 donation from the Korean Embassy in 2022, the improvements have been minimal, shedding light on the scale of the issues at hand. Minister for Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh recently visited the school for an inspection and is expected to release a report regarding the findings.
Humanitarian organizations have also expressed serious concerns, with Save the Children Fiji labeling the situation as “unacceptable.” They highlighted that inadequate facilities endanger the health and safety of students, teachers, and parents. The organization calls for immediate government intervention, urging stakeholders to invest in creating a safe learning environment for children.
The plight of Nabua Primary School underscores a nationwide issue of declining infrastructure and overcrowding in urban educational institutions. As the government prepares its upcoming budget, the urgency to prioritize educational facilities has never been clearer.
Overall, while the challenges faced by Nabua Primary School are daunting, the resilience of its students and the commitment of its management team provide a glimmer of hope. With the right support and resources, there is potential for meaningful improvements that could transform the educational landscape for the children of Nabua.
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