Students from Mavana Village in Vanuabalavu, Lau, are facing significant challenges in attending school due to the rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change. The adverse weather conditions have forced many children to stay home or arrive late to Adi Maopa Secondary School in Lomaloma, the only secondary school on the island.
Mavana Village is connected to Lomaloma by a single road that serves as an essential route to the island’s business center, which includes vital facilities such as the post office, hospital, and market. According to Milika Vuamuri, the headteacher of Mavana District School, the impact of climate change on education has become increasingly apparent during her two decades of living and teaching in Vanuabalavu.
Flooding during high tides often traps children in their homes or leaves them waiting for the water to recede before they can be transported to school. The road has deteriorated significantly, and its narrow condition forces drivers to navigate onto the grass alongside the roadway. This 30-minute drive from Mavana to Lomaloma can stretch to nearly an hour during adverse weather conditions. Children typically rely on carriers for transportation to school.
The region has a history of suffering from climate-related disasters, including the destruction of two schools during Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016. Adi Maopa Secondary School and Avea District School were both severely impacted, with the latter’s original building foundation now submerged underwater.
Vuamuri, who has dedicated her career to education on the island, expresses grave concern that the ongoing rise in sea levels could further hinder children’s access to education. She emphasizes that climate change threatens not only the environment but also the fundamental right to education, jeopardizing the children’s future if prompt action is not taken by leaders.
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the vulnerable stretch of road from Mavana to Mualevu that often experiences flooding. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has requested assistance from the Fiji Roads Authority to address the urgent road maintenance needs.
In addition to the challenges faced by students, villagers in Mavana are also impacted, as flooding restricts their access to local markets to sell their produce. Women, who rely on fisheries for their income, are now forced to fish in farther locations due to changes in fish availability attributed to climate change, making their traditional fishing spots less accessible.
During the ongoing COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad highlighted the dire need for climate financing, stating that Fiji’s annual climate finance requirements are immense—estimated at US$1-2 billion—to effectively address and adapt to the impending impacts of climate change.
This article highlights the urgent need for climate action and support for vulnerable communities. While the challenges posed by climate change are daunting, it is essential to remain hopeful. Continued dialogue at international forums can foster cooperation and mobilize resources to aid island communities in their fight against climate change. Solutions derived from these discussions may pave the way for a more resilient future for Mavana Village and other affected areas in the Pacific.
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