Valelawa Primary School in Macuata continues to conduct classes in recycled tents, a situation reminiscent of other schools that have faced similar challenges due to natural disasters. Schools located in Yadua Village, Bua, and Laucala District School on Qamea Island have also struggled with temporary accommodations after their classrooms sustained damage in recent years.
Laucala District School was affected by a landslide in 2016, while Yadua Village School suffered extensive damage from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020. Valelawa Primary School, established by parents 70 years ago with four classrooms, has seen its infrastructure compromised following the same cyclone. The school, located about two kilometers from the main road and an hour’s drive from Labasa Town, has been challenged by access issues, including the absence of bus services.
Hemant Kumar, a trustee of the school, reported that the wooden building’s foundation started to shake earlier this year, leading to a declaration from the Ministry of Education that it was unsafe for students and staff. After notifying the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji for a termite inspection, which returned clear results, the ministry provided two tents for students in Classes Three, Four, Five, and Six, as the original building was declared uninhabitable.
The tents, previously used at another school affected by the cyclone, are aging and pose additional challenges. Students report water leaks during heavy rains and stifling heat without adequate ventilation. Approximately 70 students and four teachers have been using these tents for more than six months.
A 52-year-old former student, now a farmer, expressed his sorrow over his daughter attending school in a tent and criticized the lack of communication from the school regarding the situation. A male student drew a parallel between their tent classroom and goat shelters, recalling an incident involving goat feces that had to be cleaned up. Despite the uncomfortable conditions, another student remains focused on her goal of becoming a doctor and avoids contemplating her rights.
Teachers are hesitant to voice their concerns, citing a $45,000 grant from the Ministry of Education for building an early childhood education facility that was also damaged in the cyclone. During a visit to Labasa, MOE Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca claimed she was unaware of the students studying in tents, mentioning that there are only two maritime primary schools under their oversight.
In response to their circumstances, VPS manager Dhirendra Prasad announced plans for a two-day school bazaar on October 19-20. The goal is to raise $1,500 to open a bank account for school development, thereby aiding in covering labor costs for necessary repairs. While the ministry is providing materials for new construction, Prasad emphasized the urgency of building an early childhood education center first, with plans to later address the need for classrooms.
The management is focused on raising funds and reaching out to former students to help with their efforts, acknowledging that the current situation is far from ideal, but feeling limited by financial constraints.