Northern Primary School to finally get teachers’ quarters after 42 years
Head teacher grateful for $32,000 grant from Ministry
After several decades, Korowiri/Tovata Primary School in Labasa will finally have their first teachers’ quarters built.
The school, located four kilometres from Labasa Town, has not had a teachers’ quarters since 1975.
During the groundbreaking ceremony last week, Korowiri/Tovata Primary School head teacher Rajesh Kumar, said the building of the quarters was made possible through the $32,000 special grant from the Ministry of Education.
“Whenever we close the school in the afternoon, we feel worried because there is no teacher around after hours,” Mr Kumar said.
“It takes so many years to build a school and hence it is very important someone is around to guard it.
“Thanks to the Government and Ministry of Education for not leaving our school behind,” he said.
Meanwhile, Northern divisional education officer Rajesh Chand, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, advised the teachers and management to utilise the grant wisely.
“The education system is there for everyone in the community,” Mr Chand said.
“The Government is doing all it can, so the management and the community should not have give any excuse that they are not able to give quality education to our children.
“I strongly feel that education is paramount to the success of Fiji and we are going to exhaust all avenues to create a knowledgebased society in Fiji, including the Northern Division,” he said.
“I understand that if the infrastructural development is good, then the teachers, students, management and parents will feel proud to be associated with the school.
“While the ministry is doing all it can, I would like to challenge all the teachers to produce 100 per cent passing result this year. “So that parents and management can see proud and feel confidence and provide more moral support.”
The student roll is 80 from kindergarten to Year Eight. There are currently seven teachers at the school.