Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, several years after they were damaged by natural disasters. Laucala District School in Dreketi Village, Qamea Island, suffered significant damage from a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island was hit by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
In the interim, students have been learning in makeshift shelters, village halls, and community centers, all while awaiting the construction of proper school facilities. School management teams have made interim arrangements for students, hoping for intervention from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, stated that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funding for rebuilding classrooms at these affected schools. However, she noted that there are logistical obstacles involved.
“We are working to transport building materials to these schools on the islands,” Ms. Kuruleca explained. “We are collaborating with other government ministries to ensure this happens promptly, as the barge needs access to reach these schools.”
She emphasized that the ministry, along with the affected communities, is eager to move children out of temporary tents and into proper classrooms. The ministry is also partnering with communities and corporate organizations that have offered assistance in the rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the prolonged delays, asserting that the ministry should have made arrangements sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We are already in the third term, and students and teachers are gearing up for their exams,” Mr. Goundar remarked.
Despite the setbacks, he expressed gratitude to the school management and local villagers for their efforts in creating temporary learning spaces. “Their hard work has ensured that education continues for the children,” he added.
Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there are no other schools in the Northern Division facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.