Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without adequate classrooms, several years after suffering damage from natural disasters. Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, was heavily affected by a landslide in December 2016. Similarly, Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua endured impacts from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these incidents, students have been learning in makeshift shelters, village halls, and community centers while they await the construction of proper classrooms. School management has implemented temporary solutions for students, pending intervention from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, has confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year will include funding for the rebuilding of classrooms at these schools. However, she noted logistical difficulties in transporting building materials to the island locations.
“We are collaborating with other government ministries to ensure this is completed promptly because the barge must be able to reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized that both the ministry and the affected communities are eager for students to no longer have to study in tents. The ministry is working with communities and corporate organizations that have offered assistance in the rehabilitation efforts.
Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Muniappa Goundar criticized the prolonged delay, arguing that the ministry should have taken action sooner. “It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We are already in the third term, and students and teachers are preparing for exams,” Mr. Goundar remarked.
Despite the setbacks, Mr. Goundar expressed gratitude towards the school management and local villagers for establishing temporary learning environments. “Their efforts have ensured that learning continues for the children,” he said. Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there are no other schools in the Northern Division with unresolved damages from natural disasters.