Students at Yasawa South Secondary School in Waya Lailai, Yasawa, will now have the opportunity to pursue secondary education locally, eliminating the need to travel to distant towns and cities. The school was officially inaugurated last month by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, who welcomed its inaugural cohort of Year 9 students and seven teaching staff.
This new educational facility will cater to students from several nearby villages, including Namara, Naboro, Yamata, Yalobi, Natawa, Nalauwaki, and Vuwa, as well as from Namara Village School, Ratu Naivalu Memorial School, and Viwa Island School. The establishment of Yasawa South Secondary School is a direct response to the community’s calls for local secondary education, which were highlighted during Mr. Radrodro’s visit last year when he commissioned a new ablution block.
In his address to the students, Mr. Radrodro emphasized the importance of utilizing the new school, which not only reduces travel expenses for families but also enables children to remain close to their communities. He encouraged the students to strive for excellence, citing examples of Waidina and Vunisea secondary schools that achieved impressive 100 percent Year 12 pass rates last year.
“This school is an investment in the future of our children, our community, and our nation,” Mr. Radrodro remarked. To accommodate the students this year, the school management committee has temporarily converted hostel facilities into classrooms, ensuring that learning can commence smoothly despite the initial setup.
Overall, the opening of Yasawa South Secondary School is a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for local students, fostering both community development and academic success.