Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, years after being damaged by natural disasters. Laucala District School in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island suffered significant damage due to 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 using temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers for their studies, waiting for the construction of proper classrooms. School management teams have made interim arrangements for students while they await action from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, confirmed that the budget for the financial year 2024-2025 includes funding for the reconstruction of classrooms at these schools. She pointed out, however, that there are logistical challenges in transporting building materials to the islands.
“We are working with other government ministries to ensure this process is completed in a timely manner because the barge must be able to reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She expressed a desire for students to no longer have to study in temporary tents.
The ministry is also working with communities and corporate sponsors that have offered assistance in the rehabilitation process. Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the prolonged delay, arguing that the ministry should have made arrangements earlier.
“It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We’re already in the third term, and students and teachers are preparing for exams,” Mr. Goundar remarked. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the efforts of school management and villagers in creating temporary learning spaces, which have allowed education to continue.
Ms. Kuruleca confirmed that no other schools in the Northern Division are facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.