Valelawa Primary School in Macuata is still holding classes in makeshift tents, following significant damages to its classrooms from natural disasters. Other affected schools include Laucala District School in the Cakaudrove region and Yadua Village School in Bua. Both suffered damages in recent years, including landslides and Tropical Cyclone Yasa.
Originally built by parents 70 years ago with four classrooms, Valelawa Primary has been operating in tents for over six months after its facilities were severely compromised by TC Yasa in 2020. The school is remote, about an hour’s drive from Labasa Town and two kilometers from the main road, with no bus service available.
Hemant Kumar, one of the school’s trustees, noted that the wooden structure’s foundation began shaking earlier this year, leading the management to declare it unsafe for students and to request a termite inspection by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF). Following the inspection, BAF confirmed there were no termites present, allowing the Ministry of Education (MOE) to provide two old tents previously used by another affected school.
The tents, however, present numerous challenges. Students and teachers have reported leaks during heavy rain and uncomfortable heat due to the lack of proper ventilation. Currently, 70 students and four teachers are using these temporary accommodations.
A former student, who now has a daughter at the school, expressed disappointment at the situation. He mentioned that parents were not informed about the reasons for the shift to tents or how long it would last. Meanwhile, students have shared their frustrations, comparing the tents to goat shelters and expressing concerns over sanitation.
One teacher mentioned the need for discretion, as the MOE has allocated a $45,000 grant for building a new early childhood education facility, which was also damaged during the cyclone.
The MOE’s Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca, stated she was unaware that students were still learning in tents and committed to investigating the matter. However, no further updates have been provided since her visit.
In response to their challenges, the school’s manager, Dhirendra Prasad, announced plans for a two-day school bazaar on October 19 and 20 to raise $1500 to open a bank account for the school, as they are currently without a dedicated development fund. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the living conditions and expressed hope for future support from former students and the community.