A significant grant of $913,000 from the Government of Japan will support the construction of new cyclone-resilient classrooms at Lomaivuna High School and Ratu Sauvoli Memorial School. The grant contracts were officially signed in Suva yesterday, marking an important step in enhancing educational infrastructure in Fiji.
During a ceremony held at his residence in Tamavua, Hiroshi Tajima, the Ambassador of Japan, highlighted that this initiative is part of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). “On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I am deeply honored to sign these grant contracts,” said Ambassador Tajima, emphasizing that the projects symbolize the enduring friendship between Japan and Fiji.
These two new projects represent the 425th and 426th GGP initiatives in Fiji, with specific funding allocated of approximately FJ$403,000 for Lomaivuna High School and FJ$510,000 for Ratu Sauvoli Memorial School. Each school will benefit from a fully furnished, three-classroom building made of reinforced concrete, specifically designed to withstand Category 5 cyclones, thereby ensuring safe and uninterrupted education for students.
Ambassador Tajima noted the challenges faced by Lomaivuna High School after a fire in October 2024 led to the destruction of a school building and toilet facilities, forcing students to attend classes in temporary tents under difficult conditions. Meanwhile, Ratu Sauvoli Memorial School has been impacted by the deterioration of a two-storey wooden building built in 1970, with decayed floors and walls creating safety hazards.
“These projects directly address those challenges,” said Tajima, reinforcing the notion that “education is the bridge to opportunity for every child.” He added, “From classrooms to communities, we are building resilience together,” underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance the educational landscape in Fiji and respond effectively to environmental challenges.