Australian minister commends Fiji growth after Winston
The Australian Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews, yesterday commended the Fijian Government for doing a great job in reconstructing schools damaged by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
She made this statement while opening new classrooms at Vunisamaloa Sangam School in Ba. The school, which caters for 98 students including kindergarten, was severely damaged when Cyclone Winston swept through the country in February 2016. Ms Andrews said it was a pleasure to be given the opportunity to officially open the reconstructed buildings and new classrooms. She also shared her own experience of a tropical cyclone at the age of nine.
“I understand what’s it like recover from a tropical cyclone and living through it, the fear and I want to thank the Government for the tremendous work done, a big thank you to you,” Ms Andrews said.
She also thanked the Australian government for their tremendous efforts in helping the country rebuild after Winston.
Ms Andrews said education was important for any child.
“We have a responsibility in making sure our children know how to read and write because this will enable them to get a job in the future,” she said.
“I encourage students to make the most of their time in school and that it is a good opportunity to help them grow.”
Ms Andrews also donated sports gear to the school and encouraged students to take part in sports apart from their academic work. The school’s head teacher, Rohit Kumar, thanked the Government for their support to rebuild damaged classrooms worth $800,000. Nine classrooms, a walkway and kindergarten were completely destroyed during Cyclone Winston.