The Education Ministry in partnership with the Embassy of Japan and UNICEF has built 15 ablution blocks in schools around Fiji.
Minister Premila Kumar said the blocks cost 1,179,135 over the past three years while commissioning 11 Disability-Friendly Ablution Blocks at Ratu Ravuama Vunivalu Memorial School.
Kumar said the new facility is funded by the Government of Japan and will provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene for the students at the school.
She highlighted that growing up and learning in a clean, healthy and safe environment is every Fijian child’s right.
“This ablution block is disability friendly, it shows inclusivity and allows ease of access to proper sanitation by all students,” said Kumar.
“Every Fijian child has the right to be given access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene as enshrined in the 2013 Fijian Constitution.”
She stressed that to prevent many diseases, including cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea, typhoid, intestinal worm infections and other diseases, good hygiene and sanitation practices must be followed to help save lives.
“An improved WASH facility will not only provide basic support for health and help schools prevent the spread of infectious diseases but will ultimately contribute to the overall well-being of our students.”
“Apart from the provision of free education from ECE to high school, free textbooks and transport assistance given to Fijian children, the Government has made great strides in order to improve the standard of living for children living in rural and remote communities across Fiji.”
“Rural education provision is a key factor both for rural economic development and for the well-being and cohesiveness of rural communities. Thus, these investments that improve rural education are critical and will always remain one of the core priorities for the Ministry and the Government.”
