Close to 600 students across Malampa and Penama Provinces are out of school this week, following a court ruling that deemed the national teachers’ strike legal and ongoing.

In Malampa, community leader Stephen Shem from South East Malekula said over 100 students walked out of Rensarie College on Tuesday.

“Today we were at Rensarie College and we saw students going back home. We don’t feel that it’s right. My concern is: why are the teachers on strike while the issue with the government continues? The children are becoming the victims — not just at Rensarie, but at other colleges in the south as well. I’m calling on the government to address the teachers’ concerns.”

In Penama Province, Principal Education Officer John Tari confirmed that around 400 students have not attended school since Monday.

“Some schools in West Ambae, both primary and secondary, have no classes. It’s the same for parts of Pentecost. In North Pentecost, only the primary levels are functioning. Most teachers are present but are not teaching — that’s over 400 students affected.”

Malampa PEO, Renjo Samuel, also acknowledged the situation:

“We are aware that teachers at Rensarie College have joined the strike. While we haven’t received an official confirmation from the acting principal, we’ve seen students leave the school. No formal report has been submitted yet. We are also aware of issues in West Ambrym, where classes were suspended two days ago.”

This situation follows a court decision last week confirming the legality of the teachers’ strike.

In response to the ruling, Vanuatu Teachers’ Union Secretary General Jonathan Yona publicly called on all striking teachers to leave their classrooms in support of the union’s position.