Valelawa Primary School in Macuata is continuing its classes in recycled tents. Similar situations are being faced by other schools, such as Laucala District School on Qamea Island and Yadua Village School in Bua, which have also transitioned to temporary shelters following damage from natural disasters.
Laucala District School encountered a landslide in 2016, while Yadua Village School suffered the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020. These incidents left classrooms severely damaged, forcing students to learn in makeshift accommodations.
Originally established by parents 70 years ago, Valelawa Primary School comprises four classrooms that were also damaged during Tropical Cyclone Yasa. The school is located about two kilometers from the main road, with no bus service available, making it a one-hour drive from Labasa Town.
Hemant Kumar, one of the school’s trustees, reported that the wooden structure’s foundation became unstable early this year, rendering it unsafe for students and staff. After the school’s management informed the Ministry of Education (MOE), an inspection by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) indicated no termite presence.
Following this inspection, the Ministry provided two tents that were previously used at another school for students in Classes Three through Six. Kumar noted the tents are in poor condition, leaking during heavy rain and becoming excessively hot without ventilation. Currently, 70 students and four teachers have been occupying these tents for over six months.
One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed sadness about his daughter attending classes in a tent, criticizing the school for not informing parents about the situation. A student compared the tent’s conditions to a goat shelter, recalling an incident where goat feces were found inside. While teachers have not voiced concerns, one student highlighted water leaks behind their seating area due to limited space.
Amid these challenges, a teacher mentioned that staff must remain quiet about the situation as the MOE is providing a $45,000 grant for constructing a new early childhood education facility, which was also damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.
During a visit to Labasa, MOE Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca claimed she was unaware of students studying in tents, indicating that the ministry was aware of only two maritime primary schools needing assistance. She promised to look into the situation at Valelawa Primary School following further inquiries.
VPS manager Dhirendra Prasad announced plans for a two-day school bazaar from October 19 to 20, seeking to raise $1,500 to open a development bank account in Labasa Town. He emphasized the necessity to gather funds for labor costs related to the construction materials provided by the ministry. Although many officials have visited the school, Prasad believes there is awareness of the students’ circumstances. He expressed the management’s aim to prioritize building a preschool facility and later address the need for proper classrooms to replace the tents.