FOURTEEN cyclone-affected schools have been assisted through the $2.7 million grant that was rendered to the Fijian Government by the government of India.
Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar highlighted this while officiating at the opening of the Wainibuka primary and secondary schools on Friday.
The cost of the rehabilitation works was $1.85 million. The grant was part of government’s “Adopt a School” program and was focused on the rehabilitation of 20 cyclone-affected schools.
For Wainibuka District Primary School a sum of $880,000 was used to rehabilitate 13 buildings and this included the staff quarters, school block and also a new classroom was constructed.
A total of $971,536 was used to upgrade Wainibuka Secondary School. Twenty-eight buildings in the school were upgraded and two new classrooms were constructed.
Ms Akbar said the project was completed one year after Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston ravaged the school buildings.
She also highlighted that $35 million has been set aside in the 2019/2010 National Budget to complete the rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools affected by STC Winston in 2016.
“The Fijian Government has invested millions of dollars in education as the fruits of it will have everlasting effects,” she said.
“You are no longer living and working in isolation but will be on a level playing field with other students around the country.”
