A group of youths took the initiative to clean up schools in Lautoka that were used as evacuation centres during Tropical Cyclone Ana.

The Red Cross Lautoka branch youths and the Pygmies Youth Club had volunteered to prepare the classrooms of schools in Lautoka for their reopening next week.

Ministry of Youth and Sports officer Matai Sadrata said Natabua Primary School was the first evacuation centre that was recommended for cleaning by the divisional office operations centre in Lautoka.

Mr Sadrata said after proposing the youths’ idea to help in the clean up initiative post TC Ana they were advised to work with the school head teachers and the Ministry of Health officials.

They had to arrange desks, clean and disinfect classrooms and also clean up the compound of each school.

“The only schools that were empty were Natabua Primary Schools and Gandhi Bhawan Primary school, while other schools will be cleaned-up later,” he said.

Mr Sadrata appealed to youths to take a lead role in helping those in need, especially, after natural disasters.

“I would like to advise all young people in villages or youth clubs not yet registered to take a lead role. We cannot wait for the ministry or the military to clean up. It’s the future leaders that have to go and take the first step before the assistance of Government.”

Ninety-five evacuation centres were initially activated throughout the Western Division.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj