Valelawa Primary School in Macuata is currently holding classes in recycled tents, a situation that has arisen due to damage sustained during natural disasters. Other schools facing similar challenges include the school in Yadua Village, Bua, and Laucala District School on Qamea Island. These institutions have been forced to accommodate students in temporary shelters since their classrooms were affected by various natural events.
Laucala District School experienced a landslide in 2016, while Yadua Village School was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020. Valelawa Primary School, which has been operating for 70 years, suffered severe damage to its four classrooms during the same cyclone. Located approximately an hour’s drive from Labasa Town and two kilometers from the nearest main road, the school lacks bus service.
Hemant Kumar, one of the school’s trustees, reported that the wooden building’s foundation began to shake early this year, leading the school management to declare it unsafe. After notifying the Ministry of Education (MOE), an inspection was conducted by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), which cleared the building of termites. Consequently, the MOE provided two tents for the students of Classes Three to Six, previously used at another school impacted by the cyclone.
The tents are aging and have issues such as leaks during heavy rain and excessive heat without ventilation. For over six months, the 70 students and four teachers have been using these temporary accommodations.
A 52-year-old farmer and former student expressed his disappointment at the conditions his daughter is facing in the tents. He noted a lack of communication from the school regarding the situation and duration of the arrangement. One student compared the tent to a goat shelter, recounting an instance where goat feces were found inside. A female student expressed her determination to pursue her education despite the conditions.
Moreover, one teacher mentioned the need for discretion, given that the MOE provided funds for constructing a new building after the previous one was damaged.
On September 25, MOE Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca, during a visit to Labasa, stated she was unaware of students studying in tents. However, she promised to investigate further. Despite a follow-up email sent a week later, no response was received.
In an effort to address their situation, Valelawa Primary School will hold a two-day bazaar on October 19 and 20 to raise $1,500 for establishing a bank account. The funds are necessary for labor costs associated with construction, as the ministry has already provided materials for the development of a new early childhood education building. The school manager, Dhirendra Prasad, voiced confidence that officials were aware of the students’ situation, though he expressed concern about the ministry’s lack of acknowledgment. Prasad emphasized the urgent need for better facilities for the students, acknowledging the financial limitations of the local community.