Ministry of Education

World Vision Vanuatu's Helen Corrigan, who is the organisation's Tropical Cyclone Judy and Kevin response manager, said on top of the situation faced by children, some families were still living in evacuation centres as their homes were destroyed.

Corrigan said the focus for World Vision is on suppling seeds so communities can re-grow crops.

She said while food supply was still an issue in parts of the country and there was a lot to rebuild, children were learning.

A statement from the Ministry of Education said the Ministry encourages parents, teachers, school principals and community leaders around the country to support children returning to school.

Minister Leingkone is requesting all boys and girls who turn six years or older by 31 May 2023, including those with disabilities, to be enrolled to start Year 1 or above in the 2023 academic year.

The presentation was made after a weeklong induction for newly appointed school principles.

Safe School Programme Manager, Shantony Kuautonga, emphasized the strong partnership of SCV with MoET through this programme and how SCV can meet the needs within the Ministry to help school children.

Kuautonga said, “Our hope is that this won’t be the end, but we will continue to support MoET with tools to effectively assess schools against the Vanuatu Minimum Quality Standards (MQS).”

The schools are Santo East School, Ecole Sacre Coeur de Fanafo, Sarakata, Alowaru and Avunatari Primary Schools and Nandiutu Junior Secondary.

The Minister of Education and Training Samson Samsen, said work will commence after the signing of the contract.

He thanked Australia and NZ for financing the TC Harold Recovery Programme.

Harai Construction will construct two double classrooms at Santo East Primary School in Santo. The project which consists of 14 classrooms will be built at a cost of 121,000,000 vatu. 

 Minister of Education, Premila Kumar said there is no need to test the knowledge of students as they are too young and there needs to be space to allow the students to learn and grow.

The Minister also said they will review all subjects for these students with a view to remove some.

“And focus only on numeracy, literacy, civic and moral education. We want to focus on things like gardening, sports, vernacular, that’s all want to focus so that we are able to teach other things through civic and moral education.”

This is after reports that there are not enough schools to accommodate Year 11 students for the 2022 academic year which starts next Monday.

Director of Education Services Samuel Katipa told RNZ Pacific there are 2000 primary schools but only 90 secondary schools on the island.

Mr Katipa said they have found it challenging to deal with this issue for the past decade.

But he confirms that temporary measures have been put in place for over one thousand Year 11 students to begin classes next week.

Children aged 5 to 12 have been at home since April last year while Year 12 and 13 students returned to classes in November.

Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said the coronavirus is now endemic to Fiji and community transmission will lead to the same in schools.

The appointment was made after the portfolio was vacant for two weeks with the resignation of Simeon Seule.

Attorney General, Kiel Loughman administered Samsen’s appointment.

The new Education minister said he is not new to Parliament.

Minister Samsen believes he is competent to perform his duties.

The former Deputy Speaker further conveyed his appreciation to all MPs in the Loughman-led coalition for their support.

On June 15 2021, former minister of Education, Seule resigned and was elected Speaker of Parliament.

This comes after the government announced two more cases of Covid-19 in the community, two children - one a student - from a settlement in the capital Suva.

Education Minister Rosy Akbar said it is unfortunate that the details of the student were released and are now circulating on social media.

Ms Akbar said the ministry strives to protect the interest of all the children and she reminded the public to be mindful of the sensitivity surrounding this issue.

She urged people to refrain from sharing such confidential information.

The equipment which includes computers, laptops and printers will be used by the Ministry to support teachers and administrators most in need, including schools in Provinces affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

PASO General Manager, Andrew Valentine said the handover ceremony paved the way for more discussions on partnership opportunities.

 “The PASO Council made a deliberate decision at their July Council Meeting to donate retired IT equipment to Vanuatu schools as a meaningful way to support education in Vanuatu.”