The Sanma Provincial Education Officer (PEO), Thompson Wari Paul, has appealed to students of Matevulu College to return to school following a strike action that took place over the weekend.

In a statement to VBTC News, PEO Paul said he was not fully informed of the reasons behind the student walkout but emphasized the importance of students returning to class while the Education Office will investigate and addresse the concerns raised.

VBTC News understands the strike was driven by a range of student grievances, including complaints about daily food quality, excessive manual labor outside classroom hours, perceived unfair disciplinary measures, and poor treatment of school staff.

One concerned parent, Esther Kora, whose child took part in the protest, shared her shock at the situation.

“I was surprised,” she said. “I thought my child was in school, but then he came home and told me they were striking because of poor food, too much physical work, and mistreatment. I was heartbroken. As a parent paying high school fees, it hurts to hear our children are not being treated well.”