Students traveling from nearby islands and villages to attend classes at Lekutu Secondary School and Lekutu District School can now put those challenges behind them. A new boarding house, funded by the Australia Cyclone Recovery Program, has recently been established.
This development also includes a new dining hall, classrooms, teachers’ quarters, and restrooms that were completed last month. The enhanced facilities serve as a beacon of hope for students seeking education in the remote Lekutu district of Vanua Levu.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officially inaugurated the new infrastructure alongside the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald. The project, valued at $11.3 million, now accommodates 425 students and teachers.
The schools faced severe damage during Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020, which disrupted the education of around 400 pupils at that time. In his remarks during the opening, Mr. Rabuka expressed gratitude to the Australian government and its citizens for their continued support.
“The bilateral partnership between Fiji and Australia encompasses development and educational assistance, and today we witness the results of this collaboration,” he remarked. He emphasized that the new infrastructure heralds a fresh chapter in enhancing the educational environment for children in Lekutu.
Mr. Rabuka noted that this three-year project reflects the commitment and hard work of all those involved, asserting that education will benefit not just Lekutu but also the province of Bua and the entire nation of Fiji.
“It’s a promise to our children and all Fijians that education remains a priority,” he stated. He assured that every child would have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and urged students, teachers, and school leaders to take ownership of the new facilities.
“Make the most of this gift from the Australian people and the Australian government to foster quality inclusive education in Lekutu,” he added.
Suresh Sharma, the principal of Lekutu Secondary School, expressed appreciation for the timely support from the Australian government, noting that the new facilities will greatly benefit the students and facilitate easier learning. The project was implemented through a partnership between the Australian High Commission and the Ministry of Education.