After the first repair work in 1990 at the French school in Tafea, Lycee d’Isangel has not received any further classroom repairs up to today.
The school, which began in the 1950–1960s, received a report from the Ministry of Education in 2001 stating that many of its buildings were old and unsafe for students, and needed to be demolished.
But until now, no work has been done.
Lycee d’Isangel last recorded repair work in 1990, funded by the United Nations.
This information was shared by the Chairman of Lycee d’Isangel, Liben Samuel, who told VBTC News that they urgently need support.
“Remember, from 1950 until today, the school has not been in use according to the recommendation from the Ministry of Education and Training in 2021, when they stated that the buildings were no longer safe for people to use. During Cyclone Harold and other cyclones, there has been no development in the school.”
Because of this situation, the school committee has organised a music festival on December 18 to raise funds , aiming for an amount not exceeding 10 million vatu , to build two classrooms.
Mr. Samuel said parents want to see secondary levels continue.
“They have submitted a project proposal to MoET. It is a long journey for demolishing and rebuilding, and it will take time. So they decided to raise some funds to prepare classrooms, and they have officially registered Year 11 and 12 for next year.”
Mr. Samuel is calling for public support.
“We want to repair those classrooms so they can be proper learning spaces. Since 1990 there have been no louvres; the mesh wire is broken. We need support.”
Lycee d’Isangel is the first French public school on the island of Tanna, serving around 300 students from kindergarten up to Year 10.
