STUDENTS of Yasawa South Secondary School in Waya Lailai, Yasawa will no longer have to travel to towns and cities to start off their secondary education.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro officially opened the school last month, welcoming its first cohort of Year 9 students and seven teachers.
The school will serve students from Namara, Naboro, Yamata, Yalobi, Natawa, Nalauwaki, and Vuwa villages as well as Namara Village School, Ratu Naivalu Memorial School, and Viwa Island School.
The move follows Mr Radrodro’s visit last year when he commissioned a new ablution block and heard the community’s long-standing call for a dedicated secondary school.
Addressing students, Mr Radrodro urged families to take advantage of the school, which reduces travel costs and allows children to stay close to their communities.
He said geography should not limit achievement, citing Waidina and Vunisea secondary schools, both of which achieved 100 per cent Year 12 pass rates last year.
“Yasawa South Secondary School is an investment in the future of our children, our community, and our nation,” he said.
The school management committee has temporarily converted hostel facilities into classrooms to accommodate students this year.
