Galoa Island Primary School was handed over to the Ministry of Education, following repair work undertaken by Australian Army engineers from HMAS Adelaide in partnership with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).

The school was severely damaged during Tropical Cyclone Yasa and HMAS Adelaide has been supporting rebuild efforts on the island since its arrival in Fiji on 30 December, 2020.

The completed Galoa Island Primary School.

Successfully navigating the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian Defence personnel formed a bubble with RFMF personnel to build back Galoa Island Primary School. Works included the construction of a double classroom with office, a kitchen, water tank and solar power system, as well as repairs to the accommodation block.

Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Rosy Akbar, received the handover certificate in a ceremony at her Ministry today, saying “During my visit at the Galoa Island School, I have seen the tremendous work done and this should bring excitement amongst students when they start classes from tomorrow. Indeed, school is ready for 2021 academic year. She thanked the Australian Government for this kind gesture and showing true friendship in times of need after TC Yasa”.

From its anchored position in Galoa Bay, HMAS Adelaide has also played a major role in distributing supplies, including building materials, water tanks, generators and stationary to damaged schools across Vanua Levu.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, said, “The Australian Government has been working closely with the Ministry of Education to support the opening of schools in time for the school year. HMAS Adelaide’s aerial support has proven invaluable when required to move supplies to hard to reach locations. Australia will continue to provide support to recover from TC Yasa to Fiji when schools reopen through our development programme”.

The damaged school before after TC Yasa.

In addition to assisting damaged schools, HMAS Adelaide has delivered emergency shelters, hygiene packs, kitchen kits and UNICEF supplies to impacted communities in the North.

The arrival of HMAS Adelaide and Australia’s partnership with Fiji to assist following TC Yasa marks another milestone in the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.