Yesterday evening, a fire started around 18h15 at Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) in Degei House dormitory, as has been reported. This is on the back of a teacher’s quarters being burnt down earlier this term. The National Fire Authority (NFA) was called and managed quickly to bring the fire on the second floor under control. As is usual, the NFA is working to identify the cause of the fire.
No-one was injured but various belongings of 158 students have unfortunately been destroyed. These items include clothing, suitcases, bedding and stationery.
The Ministry, working with the Head of School, has put the following arrangements in place to support students, particularly those who are still scheduled to write exams:
1. The School is going to purchase examination stationery for students affected by the fire so that they can continue to focus on examination preparations.
2. Affected students in Years 12 and 11 will work together in study groups with those not affected in the fire. This will be coordinated by the Head of School and teachers to ensure they continue to focus on exams.
3. As Year 9 students will sit their exams from 4 November 2019, parents have taken them home in the interim. The School is preparing learning resources for these students to ensure that they return well prepared for the exams. Additional support from the teaching staff will also be provided on their return.
4. Students who used to live in Degei House have moved to other dormitories previously occupied by Year 13 students who have recently completed their exams.
5. The students have begun to receive donations of clothing and bedding from within the School.
In relation to the dormitory itself, engineering expertise will be required to assess the safety of the structure and this will determine if the building needs to be demolished or can be salvaged. Once this information is available, the Ministry will work with the Ministry of Economy to assess the best way forward.
The Ministry would like to acknowledge the support provided by Save the Children Fund who deliver 100 sets of basic stationery tomorrow. This and other expressions of solidarity and support are greatly appreciated.
The Ministry is hopeful that, at this time of Diwali, there will be additional support forthcoming from suppliers, old scholars and others. If so, please contact the head of school 942 2217 or 368 3781.