Students at Natusara Primary School in Kadavu are grappling with transportation disruptions, resulting in missed school days. Despite the Ministry of Education’s assertion that payments have been made to boat operators, parent Kelepi Saukitoga disputes this, stating that boat owners insist they have yet to receive payment. Consequently, students from Dravuni, Buliya, and Narikoso have missed classes, with reports indicating that this week alone, they faced a third consecutive day away from school.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro asserted during a recent statement that all necessary payments have been fulfilled and that documentation supports this claim. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure students can consistently attend school without disruptions. This is not the first incidence of transportation issues affecting education on Kadavu, as similar problems arose last year due to delayed payments.
Given the historical context of these transport challenges, there is an urgent need for a reliable transportation system in remote areas. Parents and local leaders have communicated their concerns to both Minister Radrodro and local MP Lenora Qereqeretabua, highlighting the ongoing nature of the issue.
The situation promotes a larger conversation about ensuring educational accessibility and the vital role that transportation services play in connecting students to learning opportunities. Moreover, it calls for continued engagement and transparent communication between the Ministry of Education, transport providers, and affected communities to prevent such disruptions in the future.
Ultimately, while the current situation is concerning, there’s a collective hope that proactive measures will lead to a stable and efficient transportation system that supports education in the region.
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