Schools to remain closed until all evacuation centres are cleared

Schools around the country will remain closed until further notice and the date for the reopening will be announced once all evacuation centres are cleared.

Minister for Education Premila Kumar says some schools are still being used as evacuation centres and until they are cleared schools will remain closed.

However Kumar says they do not want to delay the reopening of schools.

She says it is important to reopen schools as soon as possible considering that the COVID-19 pandemic has already had a major impact on the education sector.

Kumar says students education should not be impacted any further which is why once the all clear has been given, school for Years 8 to 13 will resume with the necessary COVID safety protocols for classrooms to be followed.

Nothing has been said about Early Childhood to Year 7 in the latest statement.

The Minister has been visiting schools affected by the recent cyclone and floods and says it was very unfortunate that Fijians had to face another natural disaster during this pandemic.

While schools are closed, educational programs will continue to be played on the Walesi Education Channel 10.

Kumar adds teachers should also try to reach out to their students and provide learning resources remotely.

The Numeracy and Literacy programmes for primary schools will be aired on Radio Fiji Channel 1 and 2.

Educational videos and Literacy and Numeracy radio programs can also be accessed from the LearningHub on the Ministry’s website on www.education.gov.fj/.