Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, several years after natural disasters caused significant damage. Laucala District School in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island suffered from severe landslides in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these events, students have been learning in temporary facilities, such as village halls and community centers, while they await the construction of permanent classrooms. School management teams have made provisional arrangements for student education during this waiting period, seeking assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, indicated that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes plans to rebuild the affected classrooms. However, she noted that there are logistical difficulties in transporting construction materials to the islands.
“We are collaborating with other government ministries to ensure this is done promptly, as the barge must be able to reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized that the ministry, along with the impacted communities, wants to put an end to students studying in temporary tents. The ministry is also seeking support from communities and corporate organizations to aid in the rehabilitation efforts.
Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Muniappa Goundar expressed frustration over the delays, arguing that the ministry should have taken action much 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,” he said.
Despite these setbacks, Goundar acknowledged the hard work of school management and villagers in establishing temporary learning environments, ensuring that education continues for the children. Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that no other schools in the Northern Division have unresolved damage from natural disasters.