German Embassy hands over rehabilitated girls’ dormitory, washrooms and new walkway at Natusara Primary School in Kadavu

Students of Natusara Primary School on Ono Island in Kadavu have received major infrastructure upgrades, including a newly rehabilitated girls’ dormitory, rebuilt washroom facilities, and a new all-weather walkway, thanks to support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The upgrades were funded under the German Government’s Small-Scale Project Scheme, which supports community-based initiatives that deliver immediate and sustainable benefits.

Natusara Primary School, established in 1969, serves boys and girls aged 6 to 14 from four neighbouring villages.

Many of the school’s facilities, including the original girls’ dormitory, had not undergone major improvements for more than 50 years.

The refurbished girls' dormitory now features full structural repairs, new bunk beds, and modern washroom and shower facilities.

Deputy Head of Mission Melanie Freund says the upgraded dormitory will give girls a safer, healthier, and more dignified living environment.

She says this is especially important for young students who live far from home and rely on the school for comfort, security and stability.

The Embassy says the construction of a new all-weather walkway has also transformed accessibility across the school grounds.

Previously, the school had no proper walkway, often forcing students and teachers to navigate muddy or flooded paths.

The new walkway now ensures safe passage between classrooms, dormitories and the dining hall, while also reducing exposure to water-borne illnesses and improving year-round access.

As part of the project, the washroom facilities behind the dormitories were also rebuilt and upgraded to meet essential hygiene standards, providing students with safer, cleaner and more private sanitation options.

Freund says the project reflects Germany’s strong partnership with Fijian communities and that investing in safe school facilities is an investment in Fiji’s future.

The German Embassy acknowledged the close cooperation of the school management, village leaders and parents, whose support made the project possible.