Naweni Secondary School opens, bringing education closer to Natewa families

Meresaini Matarugu of Naweni village in Cakaudrove breathed a sigh of relief as Naweni Secondary School officially opened in the Natewa Peninsula, ending years of long and exhausting commutes for her children.

The school was officially opened by the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro.

“For years, my children had to travel hours every day to reach the nearest high school,” Ms Matarugu said.

“Now, this school is a dream come true for parents like me. It gives our children a real chance to succeed without the daily stress of travel.”

Mr Radrodro said the new school marked a major milestone for the 11 feeder villages in the peninsula.

These include Navonu, Nakobo, Drekeniwai, Bagasau, Nanuca, Kasavu, Vunilagi, Tacilevu, Naweni, Dromoninuku and Viani.

“The establishment of Naweni Secondary School reflects our commitment to equitable access to education,” Mr Radrodro said.

He said the school addressed long-standing challenges faced by students who previously had to travel long distances to attend secondary school, often leading to fatigue and higher dropout rates.

Families will also benefit from Government support, including $200 back-to-school assistance per student and e-transport cards that provide free travel to school.

Mr Radrodro encouraged students to value the opportunity, teachers to continue their dedication and communities to protect the new facilities.

He said the school was more than just a building, describing it as an investment in the future of Natewa’s children.

With Naweni Secondary School now open, students across the peninsula can pursue their education closer to home, marking a new chapter in equitable access to learning.