Editorial: ‘Child, Our Hope' Needs Proper Classrooms Instead Of Tents
The students and teachers need well-ventilated classrooms that are resistant to bad weather and natural disasters.
Saturday 02 March 2024 | 11:35
The Ministry of Education is calling on teachers to upload signed copies of their e-contracts before school starts.
It is high time for Government, the Ministry of Education, and the people of Yadua to take urgent action in providing proper classrooms for the students of Yadua Village School.
The fact that these children have been studying in tents for the past four years is unacceptable and goes against their fundamental right to education.
The teachers, school management, villagers, parents and concerned organisations have been calling for immediate attention to rebuild the school and provide a conducive learning environment for the students. It is heartening to see signs of progress with the provision of two new tents by Government last week, but this is not a long-term solution.
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The students and teachers need well-ventilated classrooms that are resistant to bad weather and natural disasters.
The dire situation at Yadua Village School is a stark reminder of the importance of investing in education infrastructure.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises the right of every child to education. It is the responsibility of Government to ensure that this right is upheld.
It is disappointing that despite promises made by former Minister for Education Rosy Akbar and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in 2021, the students are still studying in tents.
This problem cannot be brushed aside any longer.
Prefects of Votualevu College in Nadi take an oath as leaders of the school. Photo: Salote Qalubau
The Minister for Education, Viliame Gavoka, must take immediate action to rebuild the school and provide a suitable learning environment for the students.
He has six ministers who are from the North, including a millionaire, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Speaker, the paramount chief of Cakaudrove Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and the President, the Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, on his side.
They have the powers to fix the problem immediately and ability to look for donors.
The school should be helped now since it is four weeks into the school year.
They cannot be allowed to continue to study in tents because studies have shown that the physical class-room environment plays a crucial role in student achievement.
Inadequate lighting, noise, and poor air quality can have a negative impact on student learning.
The current situation at Yadua Village School is not conducive to learning and is hindering the students' academic progress.
It is time for the Government and the people of Yadua to prioritise the education of these children. Investing in their education is an investment in the future of Fiji.
These students are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our society, and they deserve to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
They are our hope.
They deserve proper classrooms instead of tents.
It is time for action to be taken to provide them with the education they deserve. Let us not fail our children, let us not fail our hope for the future.
Feedback: maikeli.vesikula@fijisun.com.fj
