“School communities that develop close and effective relationships with its stakeholders can provide quality education for its children,” says Ministry of Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts and Youth Sports, Deputy Secretary, Mr Josefa Sania. Mr Sania made the comment during a tour of Malomalo Primary School’s school facilities in Nadroga earlier this week.
The school, which has a roll of 108 students, who don’t pay any form of fees, has managed to upgrade much of its facilities with help from the local Natadola community.
The school boasts of a computer lab furnished with 10 computers, complete with internet connection and printing services, three water tanks, a library with books donated from overseas and has recently undergone infrastructure refurbishments to the tune of $22,000.00
School head teacher, Mr Saiyad Mohammed Farukh and committee members used Mr Sania’s visit as an opportunity to discuss the school’s ongoing relationship with the local community and neighbouring tourism operators and its impact on efforts to provide quality education.
“The school charges no fees at all to its students, that means there are no building fees, no textbook fees and our computer services are open to the local community on Saturdays,” Mr Farukh told Mr Sania during the visit.
“Whatever needs we have or have had in the past have been met through fundraisings by the school community as well as sponsorship from local hotel operator, Intercontinental Fiji Resort,” he said.
“Apart from the grant provided by the Ministry of Education, Fiji Water has also donated water tanks for the school.”
“Our students benefit very much from the relationship we’ve nurtured with the Intercontinental Fiji Resort and their donations have made it possible for us to provide education services that are rarely found in rural schools,” he said.
Mr Sania commended the school staff and committee for their efforts particularly in ensuring a completely free education for the students.
“This model that you have is interesting and quite effective. It might be good to document it as a means of sharing best practices with other rural- based schools,” Mr Sania said.
Filipe Bole
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment.