Fourteen new classrooms are bringing hope and a strong spirit to Santo East School, providing a better and higher-quality learning environment for students in the future.
Students at Santo East School will now enjoy learning in new classrooms following the official opening of 14 new buildings funded by the Government of New Zealand in partnership with the Government of Vanuatu.
The new facilities were built under the Cyclone Recovery Project, which began after Tropical Cyclone Harold struck Luganville in 2020. The project aims to rebuild and improve school infrastructure that was damaged on Santo during the cyclone.
The Government of New Zealand provided funding of 231 million vatu (equivalent to 2.9 million New Zealand dollars) to support the Vanuatu Government, through the Ministry of Education and Training, in renovating three schools — Santo East Primary School, Sarakata Primary School, and Fanafo Primary School.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Harkuk Vocor, Deputy PEO for Sanma Education, said the school had faced many challenges after TC Harold.
“Disasters have damaged the buildings, and children lacked proper space. We studied in tents, but it was not comfortable.”
Mrs. Betty Johndy, Acting Principal of Santo East School, expressed her gratitude for the completion of the project, describing it as one of the biggest developments in the school’s history.
“Thank you to the Government of New Zealand — we now have 14 classrooms for students to learn in.”
New Zealand High Commissioner, Her Excellency Nicci Simmonds, said the Recovery Project is part of New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to support Vanuatu in achieving quality education.
“It is important for students to have a good place to study, and I believe these classrooms will provide that environment.”
The new buildings are not only for education but can also be used as safe shelters or evacuation centers during disasters.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Minister of Education, Director General of Education Mrs. Gerald Ala, the New Zealand High Commissioner, Sanma Education representatives, and Santo East School administration.
