Students on Matuku Island in the Lau Group are on the verge of a transformative educational experience as the community embarks on the construction of the island’s first-ever secondary school. This landmark initiative follows a successful fundraising campaign that raised over $298,000 during the recent Matuku Day celebrations.
The campaign received significant support from the Divine Fijian Group and Divine Fijians Home Care, who made substantial contributions, highlighted by a pivotal $100,000 pledge that served as a catalyst for the project. With the establishment of this new school, families will no longer have to send their children to Viti Levu—Fiji’s main island—for secondary education, enabling students to pursue their studies much closer to home.
Local parent Unaisi Bola shared her relief at the new opportunities that the school will provide, noting, “Our family had planned for our child to go to Viti Levu for education; however, with the opening of the new school, he will now attend Matuku Secondary School as a Form 3 student this year.” Parent Lincoln Saint John added that earlier generations often had to send their children to live with relatives on the mainland, leading to disparities in treatment.
The creation of a secondary school on Matuku Island signifies not only an educational advancement but also a powerful statement against the long-standing challenges faced by island communities. It represents resilience and unity in the Lau Group, setting a positive example for other maritime islands as Fiji makes strides in enhancing educational resources.
This development echoes a national effort to improve educational infrastructures, particularly in remote areas. The excitement surrounding the construction of Matuku’s secondary school embodies hope for the island’s children, fostering local empowerment and motivating the next generation to flourish within their own communities. This initiative is a significant leap towards reducing urban migration while enhancing educational quality for those who remain on the island. Overall, the future looks promising for the youth of Matuku Island as they prepare to embrace this new educational opportunity.