The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has funded more than $447,000 worth of new classrooms, furniture and educational resources for Andrews Primary School in Nadi following a devastating fire in February this year.
The $447,686.74 contribution includes four prefabricated container classrooms, an office unit, furniture, equipment and teaching and learning materials.
The new facilities were officially handed over by Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, who acknowledged the LDS Church for fully funding the project.
Mr Radrodro said the contribution would make a significant difference to students and teachers by providing improved facilities and resources for teaching and learning.
The four new classrooms will accommodate 157 students, including 40 Year 3 students and 117 Year 6 students.
Following the February fire, the Ministry of Education arranged temporary learning spaces to ensure affected students could continue their education while longer-term solutions were being developed.
The Minister also acknowledged Mr Kevin Smith and the LDS Church’s humanitarian team for their involvement in delivering the project.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships between government, faith-based organisations and communities in addressing the needs of schools.
Andrews Primary School, which was established in 1918, currently has an enrolment of 935 students.
Mr Radrodro encouraged students to make the most of the new facilities, remain focused on their studies and avoid bullying and illegal drugs.
He also urged school management, teachers, parents and the wider community to take responsibility for maintaining the classrooms and other resources.
The Minister said proper care of the facilities would ensure they continued to benefit students in the years ahead.
The handover marks a major step in the school’s recovery from the February fire, providing permanent learning spaces for affected students and strengthening its capacity to deliver education.
