Schools across Vanuatu remain open despite the ongoing teachers’ strike, but the absence of some teachers is disrupting normal classroom arrangements as students prepare for their final examinations.

Principals from Sarakata Primary School, Kamewa School and Lycée de Luganville have confirmed to VBTC News that classes are continuing, despite some teachers not attending work because of the strike.

While school operations remain in place, principals say they are adjusting staffing arrangements and relying on teachers who remain at work to ensure students continue learning.

Schools adjust staffing to keep lessons going

At Sarakata Primary School and Kamewa School, lesson plans covering the remainder of the school year were prepared during the students’ three-week holiday.

The principals say the advance preparation has made it easier for teachers who are still working to continue lessons despite the absence of other staff.

They also say students in their final years are continuing to prepare for their examinations, although the strike has created challenges for school staffing.

Freswota Bilingual School has 18 teachers on strike

In Port Vila, Freswota Bilingual School Principal Joses Seth confirms that 18 teachers have joined the strike.

He says the absence of the teachers has affected staffing, but the school has adjusted its arrangements to keep operations running.

“We have 18 teachers who have gone on strike, and we know this has affected our staff,” Seth told VBTC News.

He says the school remains open and students continue to attend classes, thanking teachers who have remained committed to their duties.

The school is also preparing students for mock examinations scheduled for next week.

“We are planning for next week, we have mock exams and we are preparing the students for them,” Seth says.

Students left without their regular teachers

The impact of the strike is also being reflected in students’ daily routines.

On Wednesday this week, VBTC News witnessed some students swimming at the Seafront. The students said their teachers had not gone to class.

Although schools remain officially open, the absence of teachers raises concerns about whether all students are receiving their regular classroom instruction during this critical period of the school year.

Shefa reports no school closures

Meanwhile, Shefa Principal Education Officer David Naviti says he has received no reports of schools closing in the province.

“At the moment, I have not received any report of a school in Shefa being closed. Every school is operating as normal,” Naviti told VBTC News.

He says preparations for final examinations are continuing despite the challenges, and wishes both teachers and students well as they prepare for the exams.

The final school term began in October and is scheduled to end in December.