Approximately 200 students at Saint Thomas Primary School now have a revamped learning environment, thanks to the inauguration of the school’s Saint John Vianney Zero building, an investment of $70,000. Previously, the students were learning in temporary tents due to termite infestations that rendered their classrooms unsuitable for use.
Samu Tunidau, Special Projects Chairman at March Pte Ltd, stated that this event celebrated the successful conclusion of the project’s first phase. The new construction plans feature ten classrooms distributed over two floors, complete with bathroom facilities on each level. The initiative aims to elevate the educational standards at the school. Future developments include constructing a double-story administration block that will house an administration office, meeting room, library, music room, and computer room.
Tunidau explained that the school’s buildings had significantly deteriorated over time, leading to their condemnation by Biosecurity and the Lautoka City Council, which had declared them unfit for student use in a 2023 letter. Following this, School Manager Father Veremo Dovarua formed a committee in April to address these urgent needs, initiating the current projects.
Plans for further expansion are contingent upon obtaining necessary approvals, with a projected cost of $3.5 million. Sakiusa Takirua, the School Management Board Chair, expressed gratitude for Tunidau and his team’s dedication: “The past five or six months have brought about four new classrooms, a testament to the dedication and voluntary efforts of many individuals.”
This project aligns with similar educational enhancements across Fiji. Notably, Saint Thomas Primary School had previously struggled with a critical termite situation, prompting the use of temporary classrooms which allowed students to continue their education without interruption. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, along with the government, has shown steadfast dedication to improving school infrastructure in Fiji, reinforcing their commitment to creating safe and effective learning environments for children. This broader strategy will undoubtedly foster improved conditions across the nation’s schools, driving optimism for future educational success in Fiji.
Leave a comment