Schools across Vanuatu are facing ongoing challenges repairing and maintaining classrooms, with education officials saying the current annual maintenance budget of VT10 million from donor-supported projects is insufficient to meet demand, particularly after natural disasters.
The issue was raised during the Shefa School Principals Forum, where school leaders and education officials discussed the growing need for investment in school infrastructure.
Principal Education Officer for Facilities at the Ministry of Education, Samson Sawan, said the ministry’s maintenance funding comes entirely from donor-supported projects, with no dedicated government allocation for school infrastructure.
“We have at least VT10 million each year to operate with, and that funding comes through donor-funded projects. The national government does not currently allocate funding for infrastructure and land within the Ministry of Education.”
The shortage of funding has left many schools struggling to repair or replace damaged facilities.
At Saint Jeanne d’Arc School, VBTC News was informed that the Catholic Church does not currently have funding to construct new classrooms. Although the Australian Government provided approximately VT35 million to rebuild classrooms damaged by Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023, no reconstruction work has started.
Teacher Jenny Malesi said students are still learning under temporary shelters, affecting both attendance and academic performance.
“Learning has slowed down, and when we give students tests, it takes much longer for them to complete and return their work.”
At Tanoliu Primary School, Acting Principal Morris Esron said parents and the school community are organising fundraising activities to improve facilities.
The school plans to renovate existing classrooms, build a new classroom to ease overcrowding and replace its security fence, which collapsed during the December 2024 earthquake.
Sawan said all new school buildings should follow Ministry of Education designs and national building standards to improve safety and resilience against future disasters.
