As part of Minister Kumar's Kadavu tour, she commissioned new ablution blocks and classrooms at Richmond Methodist High School yesterday (23/03/22).
She was joined by the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency, KAWAKAMI Fumihiro.
The commissioning of 2 new ablution blocks and 3 new concrete classrooms, at a cost of $597,494, are a part of rehabilitation works in the wake of damage to the school caused by TC Harold.
The Minister said the funding provided for this venture was yet another example of the Government of Japan's unwavering commitment and support to our country, which has enabled Fiji-Japan collaborations to progress steadily over the years.
"The Government of Japan has also assisted generously over the past two years when we faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," added Minister Kumar.
The Minister also said that the better infrastructure and improved facilities in the form of new ablution blocks, classrooms, and other school resources will create better a learning and teaching environment for students and teachers.
Minister Kumar requested the Head of School and the management to prepare a proper school maintenance plan that will guide the maintenance of school infrastructure, adding that schools that have failed to institute proper maintenance plans have seen their facilities deteriorate, costing more to re-build.
The Free Education Grant was also highlighted by the Minister, especially with regard to the Fijian Government prioritising education as the road to prosperity and sustainable development for the nation.
The Minister concluded by requesting parents to support their children in their education, to ensure that their children’s attendance was regular, to spend time with their children, and to assist them with their homework and home studies.
She also commended parents for supporting science and sending their children to school to complete the 2021 academic year despite the uncertainties.