Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms, several years after suffering damage from natural disasters.
Laucala District School, situated in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island, was significantly impacted by a landslide in December 2016, while Yadua Village School on Yadua Island in Bua experienced destruction from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these incidents, students have been learning in temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers, waiting for appropriate classrooms to be constructed.
School management teams have implemented temporary measures for students while they await assistance from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, confirmed that the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year includes allocations for rebuilding classrooms at these schools. However, she indicated that logistical challenges remain.
“We are focused on transporting building materials to these schools on the islands,” Ms. Kuruleca stated. “We are coordinating with other government ministries to ensure this is completed in a timely manner since the barge must be able to access these schools.”
She emphasized that the ministry, along with the impacted communities, does not want children to continue their education in tents.
“Our collaboration with communities and corporate organizations that have offered assistance is vital for this rehabilitation effort,” she added.
Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Muniappa Goundar criticized the prolonged delay, arguing that the ministry should have arranged for assistance 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 to the school management and local villagers for their efforts in creating temporary learning environments, noting, “Their hard work has ensured that education continues for the children.”
Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there are no other schools in the Northern Division with unresolved damage from natural disasters.