The Fiji Times

Akbar: School to begin on 19

- By VISHAAL KUMAR ■ Full report on

SCHOOL will begin for all students on January 19, including those who lost everything during super storm Yasa.

This was the word from Education Minister Rosy Akbar.

She said the onus was on school heads and teachers to begin on January 18 so that classes for the 2021 year could start a day later.

Ms Akbar said the focus was on getting every child back into the classroom and there was no pressure on parents in regards to uniforms, footwear and stationery.

EDUCATION Minister Rosy Akbar says all students, including those impacted by super storm Yasa in the Northern Division, will begin classes on January 19.

Speaking at a news conference in Suva yesterday, she informed school heads and teachers to report for duty on January 18.

“The ministry will not pressure parents and students on uniforms, footwear and stationery,” Ms Akbar said.

“All we want from them is to return to school. There is a lot of assistance being provided.

“To the parents, please do not pressure yourselves. This is the time to rebuild your homes and lives but we want the education of our children to continue.”

She said while conducting assessment­s, the ministry found that though many schools had sustained extensive damage — the number of students enrolled last year versus those anticipate­d to resume classes on January 19 had drasticall­y declined.

“In some schools, we do have buildings that are still standing and the ministry is working with heads of schools to ensure that we are able to house our students in a comfortabl­e environmen­t.

“However, some of the schools have had extensive damage, we have the Constructi­on Implementa­tion Unit (CIU) with us to ensure we progress into the rebuilding process in the future.”

 ?? Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Picture: JOVESA NAISUA ?? Severe TC Yasa left this classroom in shambles with its roof missing and most furniture damaged in Lekutu Secondary School in Bua. Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar.
Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Picture: JOVESA NAISUA Severe TC Yasa left this classroom in shambles with its roof missing and most furniture damaged in Lekutu Secondary School in Bua. Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Fiji