Valelawa Primary School in Macuata continues to conduct classes in recycled tents. This situation is not unique to them; Laucala District School on Qamea Island and Yadua Village School in Bua have experienced similar challenges after their classrooms were damaged in natural disasters, forcing students into temporary shelters or tents.
Laucala District School was affected by a landslide in 2016, and Yadua Village School faced destruction from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020. Valelawa Primary School, which was built by parents 70 years ago, was also severely damaged during the cyclone. Located roughly an hour’s drive from Labasa Town and two kilometers from the nearest main road, the school has no bus service.
Hemant Kumar, one of the school’s trustees, reported that the wooden building’s foundation began shaking early this year, rendering it unsafe for children and teachers. Following a notification to the Ministry of Education (MOE), an inspection by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) concluded there was no termite damage. Consequently, MOE provided two tents previously used at another school affected by the cyclone, for students in Classes Three, Four, Five, and Six.
Kumar highlighted that the tents are outdated and insufficient, leading to issues such as leaking during rain and heat discomfort without any ventilation. The school has been using the tents for over six months, with a total of 70 students and four teachers affected.
A concerned father, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed sadness that his daughter has to learn in a tent, citing a lack of communication from the school regarding the situation and its duration. A student compared the tent to a goat shelter, recounting an incident where goat feces were found inside before it was cleaned by a staff member. Another student expressed hope for her education despite the uncomfortable conditions.
Teachers feel compelled to remain silent about the issues as the MOE has allocated a $45,000 grant for materials to construct a new early childhood education building, also damaged by the cyclone.
MOE Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca mentioned she was unaware of the students studying in tents when questioned in Labasa. She stated that they were aware of only two maritime primary schools needing assistance.
Valelawa Primary School manager Dhirendra Prasad announced they plan to hold a two-day bazaar on October 19 and 20, aiming to raise $1,500 necessary for opening a bank account and covering labor costs for construction.
Prasad indicated that while the MOE is aiding in the development of an early childhood education facility, they acknowledge the uncomfortable reality of students studying in tents and lack wealth in the community for immediate repairs. They intend to start with the bazaar and then seek support from former students for further improvements.