The struggles of having to travel from nearby islands and villages to attend school at Lekutu Secondary School and Lekutu District School is now a distance memory for students.
This was after the school was able to build a new boarding house with the funds from the Australia Cyclone Recovery Program.
This also included new dining hall, classrooms, teachers’ quarters and washroom facilities last month.
The new facilities were a beacon of hope for students pursuing an education in the far remote area of the Lekutu district in Vanua Levu.
The Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka had officially opened the new facility with the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald.
The project valued at $11.3 million is now being used by 425 students and teachers.
The schools, according to the Office of the Prime Minister were severely damaged during Tropical Cyclone Yasa that hit Fiji in 2020 – the cyclone had disrupted the education of 400 pupils that attended the two school at the time.
Mr Rabuka in opening the new school facilities expressed his gratitude to the Australian Government and its people for their ongoing support.
“The bilateral partnership between Fiji and Australia extends to development and education assistance, and today we see the fruits of this collaboration,” he said.
“We celebrate the opening of the new infrastructure that marks a new chapter, enhancing the learning environment for our children here in Lekutu.”
He highlighted that the three-year project was a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved with the project.
He stated that education will not only benefit Lekutu but the province of Bua and Fiji.
“It’s a promise to our children and to all Fijians that education is our priority,” he said.
“We are committed to ensuring that no student is left behind and that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
He also urged the students, teachers and school management to take ownership of the new facilities.
“Effectively utilise this gift from the Australian people and the Australia Government to support quality inclusive education in Lekutu,” he said.
Lekutu Secondary School principal Suresh Sharma, according to a Government statement conveyed their appreciation to the Australian Government for its timely assistance.
He stated that the new school facilities will significantly benefit the students, making learning easier for them.
The program was carried out in collaboration between the Australian High Commission and the Ministry of Education.
