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 in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island was heavily impacted by a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua was affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these events, students have been attending classes in temporary structures such as village halls and community centers, as they await the construction of proper classrooms. School management teams have been making interim arrangements while anticipating assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Education, has confirmed that the ministry’s budget for the financial year 2024-2025 includes plans to rebuild classrooms at these institutions. However, she acknowledged that there are logistical difficulties involved.
“We are facing challenges in transporting building materials to these islands,” said Ms. Kuruleca. She indicated that the ministry is working alongside other government departments to facilitate timely progress since the barge must be able to reach these schools.
Ms. Kuruleca emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensuring children do not continue their education in temporary tents. She mentioned collaboration with communities and corporate organizations that have pledged support for the rehabilitation efforts.
Muniappa Goundar, the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, expressed concerns over the delay in rebuilding, insisting that earlier arrangements should have been made. “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,” Mr. Goundar stated.
Regardless of the setbacks, he appreciated the efforts of school management and local villagers for establishing temporary learning environments, which have allowed education to persist for the children. Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that no other schools in the Northern Division are facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.