The Ministry of Education is actively collaborating with schools to restore infrastructure that was destroyed by fires last year, as highlighted by Minister Aseri Radrodro. With the new school year approaching, securing funds for these reconstruction efforts has become a pressing concern.

Minister Radrodro emphasized the ministry’s commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment, stating, “We are working very closely with school management and stakeholders to ensure we provide a proper learning environment to students who will be coming back.” He acknowledged the unfortunate incidents last year, where some schools suffered significant damage due to accidents, and reiterated the ministry’s duty to enable necessary funding for rehabilitation.

In parallel, the Methodist Church’s general secretary, Jolami Lasawa, assured that two of its schools—Navuso Technical Institute and John Wesley College—which were partially affected by fire, are set to commence operations as scheduled. Lasawa encouraged parents to maintain their faith in the schools and their affiliated church, reiterating that operations would proceed smoothly.

Furthermore, similar past incidents were discussed, revealing broader challenges. For instance, during discussions in Parliament, Minister Radrodro noted that multiple schools, like Vatuwaqa Primary School, have experienced fire incidents, with ongoing assessments being conducted to determine the appropriate measures. The ministry is also working on restoration efforts at several other educational institutions like Lelean Memorial School and Vanuakula Catholic School.

In a more focused effort, a Rehabilitation Unit has been established within the ministry to address these infrastructural challenges effectively. This dedicated unit, anticipated to be operational soon, will oversee all aspects of rebuilding and ensure timely scoping and design evaluations.

This proactive approach reflects a hopeful outlook for the educational facilities in the region, signaling that while challenges exist, the commitment from both the ministry and the schools demonstrates a shared goal of fostering a safe and educational environment for all students.