For the past month, the children of Cogea have been walking approximately a kilometre to reach the nearest roadside from where they can get transport to school.

Village headman Rusiate Senicevuva said this was because of the absence of a rural service vehicle provider.

“The students, many of whom come from remote villages in Cogea, have had to adjust their daily routines to accommodate the long walk,” he said.

Mr Senicevuva said they leave their homes early in the morning to ensure they arrive at school on time.

“The walk, while not extremely long, is arduous due to the weather conditions and the lack of proper paths in some areas,” he said.

Mr Senicevuva told this newspaper it’s hard seeing the children walking such a distance every day.

“The journey is hard, especially during the rainy season when the roads are muddy and slippery,” he said, adding that during such weather some students arrive late while others miss classes entirely.

“When students are late or miss school, it affects their learning and overall performance.”

Education Ministry permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca said every rural service vehicle provider must provide services to routes they’re permitted to do so by the authorities.

Ms Kuruleca said they were aware of the issue and were working to address it.