Students at Lekutu Secondary School and Lekutu District School no longer face the challenges of traveling from nearby islands and villages to attend classes, thanks to the construction of a new boarding house funded by the Australia Cyclone Recovery Program. The recent addition, completed last month, includes a dining hall, classrooms, accommodations for teachers, and washroom facilities.
These new amenities represent a significant step forward for students seeking education in the remote Lekutu district of Vanua Levu. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officially inaugurated the facility alongside Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald.
Valued at $11.3 million, the project now accommodates 425 students and teachers. The schools suffered extensive damage during Tropical Cyclone Yasa, which impacted the education of 400 pupils in 2020.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Rabuka expressed gratitude towards the Australian Government and its citizens for their continuous support. He remarked, “The bilateral partnership between Fiji and Australia extends to development and education assistance, and today we see the fruits of this collaboration.”
He emphasized that the newly opened infrastructure marks a significant enhancement in the learning environment for children in Lekutu and that the three-year project reflects the hard work and dedication of all parties involved. He reiterated the commitment to education as a priority for all Fijians, stressing the importance of ensuring that no student is left behind.
Mr. Rabuka encouraged students, teachers, and school management to take ownership of the new facilities, urging them to make the most of this opportunity provided by the Australian people and government to foster quality education in Lekutu.
Suresh Sharma, principal of Lekutu Secondary School, expressed appreciation for the timely aid from the Australian Government, highlighting that the new facilities will significantly enhance students’ learning experiences.
The initiative was a collaborative effort between the Australian High Commission and the Ministry of Education.