Valelawa Primary School in Macuata continues to conduct classes in makeshift tents due to the damage sustained during natural disasters. Similar situations have been faced by other schools, including Laucala District School in Cakaudrove and Yadua Village School, both of which have struggled with inadequate facilities since experiencing severe weather events.
Laucala District School suffered from a landslide in 2016, while Yadua Village School was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020. Valelawa Primary School, established by parents 70 years ago, has seen its classrooms ruined as a result of the cyclone as well.
The school, located about an hour’s drive from Labasa Town and two kilometers from the main road with no bus services, has had to adapt. Hemant Kumar, one of the trustees, reported that the foundation of the wooden building began to shake earlier this year, raising concerns about safety. Following the ministry’s directive, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji inspected the premises and confirmed no termite issues.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Education provided two used tents, originally from another affected school, to accommodate students from Classes Three to Six. However, the tents are old and leaky, causing discomfort for the 70 students and four teachers who have been in them for over six months.
A 52-year-old father, a former student, expressed his disappointment at his daughter’s schooling conditions, stating that the school hadn’t communicated with parents about the changes. Students have described the tents as inadequate and likened them to animal shelters, with reports of unsanitary conditions inside.
Teachers, while acknowledging the difficult circumstances, have remained quiet about the situation as they await a government grant to assist with constructing a new early childhood education building that was also damaged during the cyclone.
In a recent statement, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Selina Kuruleca, claimed she was unaware of the situation at Valelawa Primary School, although she acknowledged the need to assist two other maritime primary schools.
To address their funding needs, the school plans to hold a bazaar on October 19 and 20 to raise $1,500 for necessary expenses and labor costs associated with building repairs. School manager Dhirendra Prasad expressed concern for the students’ well-being and emphasized the need for a long-term solution to replace the tents.