Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy this week visited schools in Nadarivatu to distribute much-needed educational supplies.
Minister Reddy distributed school bags, stationery packs and exercise books to 118 students of Nadarivatu Primary School and 108 students of Nadarivatu High school.
Both schools were badly damaged during Cyclone Winston. The school community, which consists of small-scale farmers and villagers, thanked Government and donor agencies for the relief supplies provided.
Minister Reddy also visited Malake Village School on Malake Island which was completely destroyed during TC Winston.
Minister Reddy delivered tents, school bags, exercise books and stationery packs to 130 students. These items were donated by Vodafone Fiji and Read to Lead Fiji.
The Minister encouraged students to remain committed towards education.
“Quality education has always been the priority of the Fijian Government and we will ensure that all students have access to it,” Minister Reddy said.
He also thanked the teachers for their hard work and reminded them of the challenges that lie ahead.
“I urge all school heads to be mindful of the situation that the children and their families are currently in and to ensure that all their needs are well looked after, especially, since most of the areas do not have access to water and electricity.
“Now that we have shifted into the phase of re-building and rehabilitation, schools must step up to fight health concerns such as diseases, sicknesses, trauma, dehydration and injuries that are related to the aftermath of cyclones. Our students need to be taken care of, therefore, all precautions must be taken,” Minister Reddy said.
Nadarivatu High school and Nadarivatu Primary School are located in the interior of Tavua near Monasavu Hydro.
Minister Reddy visited about 40 schools in Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki this week.