The Chinese Embassy in Fiji has assured the management of Gospel School for the Deaf that help was on its way.

Embassy’s director of political division Li Jiabing said they received a letter from the school seeking financial assistance.

Yesterday, Mr Li visited the school to meet with the School’s director Russell Neate.

He also toured the building to see how much they could offer.

Mr Li was told of the financial challenges faced by the private school especially in trying to finance its human resources.

“We have assured the school that help is on the way, and, our assistance to the school is in line with the vision of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, of not leaving any Fijian behind,” Mr Li said.

“We have heard their plea and we will be back to assist this school.”

School director Mr Neate said paying their teachers wages was a challenge they always faced.

“The 61 students that are currently educated with us don’t actually pay school fees,” Mr Neate said.

“All that they pay include books and stationary allowances and for those living in the hostel, pay a small amount of money.

“Apart from the funding that comes from businesses and individuals in Fiji, the Ministry of Education also gives us the special education grant but they define very carefully how that was supposed to be spent.

“We also get a school grant from the Department of Social Welfare that helps in the hostel and some funds from New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States of America.”

He added that there were 33 staff altogether and the school is also attended by students from Pacific Island countries like Vanuatu and Kiribati.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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