Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still operating without adequate classroom facilities due to damage sustained in natural disasters several years ago. Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, was heavily impacted by a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua suffered damage from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
In the absence of permanent classrooms, students have been using temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers for their studies. The management teams at these schools have made interim arrangements while waiting for assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, has confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes funding for rebuilding classrooms at both institutions. However, she acknowledged the logistical difficulties involved in transporting building materials to these island schools.
“We are coordinating with other government ministries to expedite the process since the barge needs to be able to reach these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. She emphasized that both the ministry and the local communities are eager for students not to have to continue their education in tents.
The ministry is also partnering with various organizations and community members to assist in the rehabilitation efforts. Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, criticized the prolonged delay, arguing that the ministry should have initiated arrangements sooner.
“It shouldn’t take four years to organize a barge. We are already in the third term, and students and teachers are gearing up for exams,” Mr. Goundar remarked. Nevertheless, he expressed appreciation for the school management and local residents for providing temporary learning environments, ensuring that education continues for the children.
Ms. Kuruleca confirmed that there are no other schools in the Northern Division with outstanding damage from natural disasters.