Two maritime schools in Fiji’s Northern Division are still functioning without proper classrooms years after suffering damage from natural disasters. 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 was affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Since these incidents, students have been attending classes in temporary shelters, village halls, and community centers, all while waiting for the construction of new classrooms. School management teams have set up temporary arrangements for the students, hoping for support from the Ministry of Education.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, stated that the upcoming 2024-2025 financial year budget contains funds allocated for the rebuilding of classrooms at these schools. However, she pointed out logistical issues in transporting building materials to the islands.
“We are working with other government ministries to address this issue swiftly, as the barge must be able to access these schools,” Ms. Kuruleca said. She emphasized that, like the affected communities, the ministry is eager for children to no longer study in tents.
Efforts are being made to collaborate with local communities and corporate partners that have stepped forward to assist with the rehabilitation process.
Fiji Teachers Union general secretary, Muniappa Goundar, criticized the delays, expressing that the ministry should have made arrangements earlier. “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,” he mentioned.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Mr. Goundar expressed his gratitude toward the school management and local villagers for their efforts in establishing temporary learning spaces, ensuring that education continues for the children.
Ms. Kuruleca also confirmed that there are no other schools in the Northern Division that are facing unresolved damage from natural disasters.