Vatuwaqa Primary School in Suva has been prioritized for urgent repairs following significant damage sustained from a fire in 2022, which led to the destruction of essential facilities. The recent Revised Infrastructure Assessment Report for the Suva-Nausori corridor highlights that the school remains closed due to the need for demolition and rebuilding to meet safety standards.
The report emphasizes the alarming state of infrastructure across the education system, revealing a shortage of classrooms, with primary schools in the region requiring an additional 168 classrooms and secondary schools needing 81 to meet the demands of a growing student population. This shortage is particularly acute, as a staggering 70 percent of the schools surveyed already exceed acceptable classroom capacity, contributing to overcrowding issues that affect the learning environment.
Paula Manumanunitoga, General Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, acknowledged the government’s initiatives while stressing that overcrowding in urban schools has been a persistent challenge, compounded by the restrictions on school fundraising activities. He emphasized the importance of allowing schools to fundraise under the oversight of the Ministry to help cover the costs of necessary improvements in infrastructure.
The report also points to the critical need for better sanitation facilities, noting that many schools fail to meet the recommended student-to-toilet ratio, a concern that particularly impacts female student attendance. It calls for improvements in this area, as well as the reinforcement of unstable structures to prevent future safety risks to students.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has recognized the urgent need for action and confirmed that the government is developing a comprehensive Education Master Infrastructure Plan. This long-term strategy will focus on necessary repairs, upgrades, and the construction of new facilities to enhance the learning environment across schools in Fiji.
The Australian Government has pledged to support these initiatives, recognizing the assessment report as a vital step toward improving schools and addressing these urgent infrastructure challenges. As efforts to mobilize funding and community involvement intensify, there is a hopeful outlook for significant enhancements in educational infrastructure, ensuring that every child in the Suva-Nausori corridor can learn in a safe and conducive environment.
In conclusion, while Vatuwaqa Primary School’s predicament highlights the broader struggles within the education sector, the response from government and stakeholders suggests a commitment to rectifying these issues and affirming the right of every child to a quality education in safe surroundings.
Leave a comment