New Dawn Rises for Nukubolu Primary School
Since 2021 after Tropical Cyclone Ana devastated the school, in the interior of Cakurdrove Province, students and teachers have endured days of learning under tents.
Friday 23 February 2024 | 16:30
High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji Ewen McDonald, Assistant Minister for Education Iliesa Vanawalu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad with students of Nukubolu Primary School on February 21, 2024. Photo: Jone Salusalu
The completion of new facilities for Nukubolu Primary School will benefit students in the 2024 academic year.
Since 2021 after Tropical Cyclone Ana devastated the school, in the interior of Cakurdrove Province, students and teachers have endured days of learning under tents.
Children had no option, but to learn under deplorable tents where they were exposed to hunid conditions, rain, and flooding that required them to move to higher grounds.
Related stories
On Wednesday, five classrooms, including an early childhood classroom, a sick bay, an administration area and an ablution facility, were new amenities that were commissioned.
It’s thanks to the Australian government, which footed the bill, costing about $2 million.
Head teacher Gade Yabaki said teachers and students continued to strive for academic success.
Together they transformed the school to achieve a 100 per cent pass record for the past seven years.
“These new facilities have posed a great new challenge for us. As a school we will strive for high ideals in all areas of teaching and learning to brighten the future of Nukubolu children,” Mr Yabaki said.
“Those struggles of learning in tents is now a hurdle of the past thanks to Australia which made sure our children have better learning facilities.”
Govt Acknowledge Australia
Minister for Finance Biman Prasad expressed Fiji’s gratitude to Australia for the support over the years, which paid for the renovation of nine northern schools, including Nukubolu.
Under the cyclone rehabilitation effort for affected schools, Australia invested more than $50 million to help students get out of tents and into better classrooms.
‘Our Vuvale Partnership’
The High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji, Ewen McDonald said the school signified more than simply building materials and running water.
“Rather, it strengthened the Vuvale Partnership between Australia and Fiji.” Mr McDonald said.
“It’s a partnership that aims to empower communities by providing inclusive and egalitarian education opportunities for everyone.
“Not many schools anywhere around the world get 100 per cent pass rate, so congratulations,” he said.
“Maybe I shouldn’t call it a school, I’d call it a palace. Your new school is more than just a classroom.”
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.f
