Yadua School Still In Tents

Students of Yadua Village School in Bua Province are optimistic they will be transferred from tents to a new school building this year.

After the school was hit by Tropical Cyclone Yasa on December 17, 2020 students of Years Four to Eight have had classes under two tents.

This year there are 12 students attending classes under the guidance of two teachers.

Post TC Yasa

School manager Pita Qarau said a delegation from the previous Government visited the island and told villagers that funds were not available and hence, they won’t be able to help.

“The then Minister for Education, Rosy Akbar, visited the school and suggested for us to relocate,” Mr Qarau said.

They have followed all procedures such as having discussions with the landowners and chiefs which resulted in the donation of a piece of land closer to the school.

Then a geotech survey was arranged.

After receiving a greenlight from the Ministry of Economy they applied for land lease.

“In 2022, we received the lease offer and were hoping for a saviour to pay for it,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the private donor pulled out.”

He said it was when this Government came in, last year the Ministry of Education paid the full amount. (He doesnt know the right amount)

The tent at Yadua Village School in Bua.

Resilient People

Yadua Island head man Iliesa Rakuka hopes to see a new school, teachers’ quarters, one ablution block and a kindergarten.

“We are waiting for the ministry to update us,” Mr Rakuka said.

This is the only school on the island, there are 170 people and 42 households.

The student roll from kindergarten to Year Eight is 37 and four teachers.

Despite the numerous challenges, last year only two Year Eight students passed the Fiji Eight Year Examination

“Last week, the ministry supplied two new tents for the school,” he said.

“Ministers Sakiasi Ditoka and Jese Saukuru are aware of the challenges that students and teachers face and said that help will come soon.”

The villagers are thankful to this Government for giving them new hope.

Call for Government intervention Fiji Council of Social Services executive director Vani Catanasiga hopes the Fijian Government will prioritise the rebuilding of schools affected during cyclones and natural disasters.

She said children on Yadua have been learning in tents since post TC Yasa.

“During rainy periods, I can only imagine how they’re struggling to stay dry in those tents,” Ms Catanasiga said.

“I implore the Government and its development partners to please consider the need for our children to learn in safe and conducive environments in order for Fiji to deliver effectively on their obligation to ensure the right to education.”

Efforts to get comments from Minister for Education Viliame Gavoka and his permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca remained futile. (I have been trying her from Wednesday-email, phone calls, viber and text).

Meanwhile, Fiji Teachers Un-ion general secretary Muniappa Goundar advises the ministry and Government to prioritise the reconstruction of the damaged primary school.

Emphasising our union’s motto Child, Our Hope, we call for immediate action to provide a conducive learning environment, ensuring affected children can resume education without further delay, Mr Goundar said.

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