1400 students to benefit from school projects
MORE than 1400 students and 100 teachers will benefit from major school repairs projects at Buruwa Youth Memorial School and Nasesevia Secondary School after the teachers’ quarters were officially handed over as part of a project between the Ministry of Education and the Australian government.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes said Australia valued its partnership with Fiji and this was just one of the many ways in which both governments continued to work together to support goals for greater good.
“Australia is committed to supporting Fiji’s efforts to improve its local disaster preparedness and response efforts to improve education in Fiji,” Mr Feakes said.
“The Australian government recognises the role of teachers as first responders in schools, and the importance of meeting their basic needs in providing an enabling, positive and safe learning environment for the children of Fiji. We are dedicated to supporting Fiji’s vision to improve learning outcomes for all.”
Minister for Education Rosy Akbar said one of the aims of the Fijian Government was to provide a holistic and empowering education system that enabled all children to realise and appreciate fully their inheritance and potential, contributing to peaceful and sustainable development of Fiji.
“Upgrading school infrastructure in particular is a significant area of need. There is a lot to be done and we are conducting a survey of school infrastructure to identify what facilities and infrastructure are needed in schools. We are thankful that Australia is supporting us in this area,” Ms Akbar said.
She added the construction of two new staff quarters for both schools would strengthen the teachers’ capacity to facilitate quality teaching and learning.
The Education Ministry and the Australian government have been working together to provide materials and labour for repairs and restoration in six flood-affected schools.
These schools include Buruwa Youth Memorial School, Nasesevia Secondary School, Ba Muslim School, Xavier College, Naroko Primary School and Taiperia Methodist Pre-School.