Year 12 and 13 students of Jeremaiah Raibevu College will now have access to two new classrooms and a science lab after the opening of a new building this afternoon.
Principal Merewalesi Tuiloma says the school caters to students from nearby communities including Cunningham, Khalsa, Tamavua and Tacirua, and the new building is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a symbol of the school's continued growth.
She says the college shares its premises with Tacirua Primary School, and there was a growing need for more classrooms.
While handing over the new building worth $213,570, the Ambassador for Japan, Rikuichiro Michii says this initiative is part of the Japanese government's Grassroots Grants Assistance Project Scheme for the sustainable development of Fiji.
He says that since 1990, Japan has funded 423 projects, many of which are related to the education and health sectors, and these projects are collectively worth more than US$32 million.
Michii says this initiative is aimed at addressing the need for more space to accommodate the students.
The Ambassador is urging students to utilise the facilities provided to them and work towards a brighter future.
Meanwhile, Tacirua Primary School was also handed a new classroom block and a computer lab worth $60,600 as part of the Ministry of Education's Free Education Grant scheme.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says the construction of the building began in January 2020, and they faced several challenges, including the death of the contractor and delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He says this initiative reflects the Ministry's commitment to providing quality education to students throughout the country.
The Minister also revealed that parents and supporters of the school had assisted with the final construction by reducing labour costs.
He further urged people to provide their input in the public consultations being held nationwide regarding the Review of the Education Act 1966.
