Plans underway to revive Ratu Mara Technical College in Lakeba

The Fiji National University (FNU) is working with the Province of Lau to reopen the Ratu Mara Technical College in Lakeba, which was closed in 2021.

FNU representatives presented the plan yesterday during the Lau Provincial Council urgent meeting at the Yatu Lau Conference Room in Suva.

The initiative involves three groups — FNU, the Turaga na Tui Nayau, and the Ratu Kamisese Mara Education Trust Fund.

“This project will look into reopening the centre again,” FNU representatives said during their presentation.

The groups are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Ratu Kamisese Mara Centre for Leadership, Governance and Security.

Advisor to the Tui Nayau, Nacanieli Yalimaiwai, said the initiative aims to help keep young Lauans in their province.

“The Ministry of Education is planning to open Ratu Mara College again. We are also planning to establish more primary and secondary schools in Lau to avoid students coming to Suva,” Mr Yalimaiwai said.
“When it’s time for them to go to university, then they can go to Suva. The plan for this meeting is to keep people in Lau and encourage those in Suva to return.”

An FNU team visited Lakeba last week to conduct research ahead of the reopening.

The MOU signing is scheduled for December and will be valid for five years.

The Ratu Mara Trust will advise the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, on collaboration with FNU, including training and curriculum development.