Valelawa Primary School in Macuata is currently holding classes in recycled tents. This situation is not unique, as other schools, such as those in Yadua Village in Bua and on Qamea Island (Laucala District School), have faced similar challenges. These schools had their classrooms damaged during natural disasters and have had to accommodate students in temporary shelters or tents since.
Laucala District School was affected by a landslide in 2016, while Yadua Village School sustained damage from Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020.
Valelawa Primary School, built by parents 70 years ago with four classrooms, experienced damage during TC Yasa as well. Located about two kilometers from the main road, and one hour’s drive from Labasa Town, the school has no bus service.
Hemant Kumar, one of the school’s trustees, reported that the wooden building’s foundation began to shake earlier this year, rendering it unsafe for children and staff. After the management informed the Ministry of Education (MOE), a check for termites was conducted by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), which cleared the school of any pest issues. Subsequently, the ministry provided two tents for students in Classes Three through Six.
However, these tents are quite old and problematic. Kumar noted that heavy rains cause leaks, and the tents become very hot inside without proper ventilation. The 70 students and four teachers have been using these tents for over six months.
A concerned parent, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed frustration at the lack of communication from the school regarding the situation. He lamented seeing his daughter studying in a tent and reported that parents had not been informed about how long this arrangement would last. One student even compared the tent conditions to a goat shelter, recalling a time when goat feces were found inside. Another student remarked on the challenges of water leakage in their learning space, but expressed aspirations to become a doctor despite these difficulties.
A teacher indicated that staff have to maintain silence about their hardships since the MOE has allocated a $45,000 grant for materials to build an early childhood education facility, which was also damaged during TC Yasa.
During a visit to Labasa on September 25, MOE Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca stated that she was unaware of the tent situation at Valelawa Primary School. She mentioned only knowing of two maritime primary schools needing materials delivered by barge. After a week with no updates following her visit, there has been no further communication regarding the situation at Valelawa.
To raise funds, VPS manager Dhirendra Prasad announced a two-day school bazaar scheduled for October 19 to 20. The school aims to raise $1,500 to open a bank account in Labasa Town, as they currently lack a specific development account. Prasad confirmed that the ministry is assisting in constructing an early childhood education building and believes officials are aware of students studying in tents, contrary to Kuruleca’s claim.
He emphasized that the immediate priority is to build a facility for preschoolers, after which they will focus on resolving the issue of students being taught in tents. Prasad acknowledged the challenges, stating that there are no wealthy patrons in Valelawa to fund the construction of new classrooms. The management plans to start with the bazaar and might reach out to former students for support in the future.