More than 300 students from two maritime schools in the North continue to study in tents, over three years after their classrooms were severely damaged by a cyclone.
Dreketi District School in Qamea was destroyed by a landslide in 2016, and Yadua Village School was affected by Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
According to Education Ministry permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca, they are facing significant challenges in rebuilding the schools.
“There have been issues with the procurement of materials, getting tenders on time, and navigating the entire government process,” she said.
Ms. Kuruleca mentioned they are currently trying to figure out the best way to transport materials to the two islands.
“Our teams have begun the scoping work,” she noted.
She also said that some sponsors have shown interest in funding the materials needed to rebuild the schools.
“We want to rebuild these two schools as soon as possible,” she added.
Ms. Kuruleca confirmed that the budget for the 2024 to 2025 financial year includes provisions for the reconstruction of the schools.