Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still operating without adequate classroom facilities, years after being impacted by natural disasters. Laucala District School, located in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, suffered significant damage from a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since the incidents, students have been learning in makeshift shelters, including village halls and community centers, as they await the construction of permanent classrooms. School management teams have made temporary arrangements to accommodate students while waiting for intervention from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funding to rebuild the classrooms at these schools. However, she pointed out logistical challenges in transporting building materials to the islands. “We are collaborating with other government ministries to ensure this is done timely because the barge must be able to reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated.
She emphasized that the ministry, along with the affected communities, does not wish for children to continue their education in tents. The ministry is also working with communities and corporate organizations that have stepped forward to assist in the rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the delays, suggesting the ministry should have arranged for support sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We’re already in the third term, and students and teachers are preparing for exams,” Mr. Goundar remarked.
Despite the ongoing challenges, he expressed gratitude to the school management and villagers for their efforts in creating temporary learning spaces, ensuring that education continues for the children. Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there are no other schools in the North with unresolved damages from natural disasters.