MALAKE Island and its beach side village is visible even from the Kings Rd and it is fair to say the distance is not much.

It takes less than half an hour in an outboard punt or fibreglass boat to make the journey between Viti Levu and Malake.

A journey which is now an everyday affair for more than 100 children on a daily basis.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston damaged most of the houses and the only primary school on Malake. This meant that when the schools in Ra resumed, the children had been adopted into another school.

To make this journey, the children travel every day from the island, catch the bus to Naria or Borutu and return every afternoon. Tikiko Rabuku ferries some of the children every morning and afternoon.

“There is no school left on the island and the fact is that if children want to continue with their education, they will have to take the hard yards,” he said.

“Although the distance is small between Malake and Viti Levu, the dangers to the children are very real. We are hoping to get some assistance such as life jackets for children or food packs that they could take to schools.

“But most of all we are hoping government fixes the landing/jetty on Viti Levu and make it safe for children and also look at a jetty for us on the island.”

The landing or the jetty is not in a very good shape and could do with repairs.

According to Fiji Roads Authority, focus was currently on priority areas affected by Severe TC Winston.