Indonesia gives Fiji aid to renovate cyclone-hit school

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia has provided financial aid to Fiji for the rehabilitation of Queen Victoria School (QVS), which was damaged by tropical cyclone Winston.

The Indonesian Agency for International Development (LDKPI/Indonesian AID) said here on Thursday that the support of US$3.5 million is part of a US$10-million commitment to increase educational development cooperation between the two countries.

Head of legal and institutional relations at Indonesian AID Azhar Basyir informed that the financial support will be provided in two stages, with the first stage covering the refurbishment of two dormitory buildings, and the second covering sixteen classrooms.

The collaboration is also part of efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

In addition, the development cooperation is a manifestation of the bilateral relations and close friendship between Indonesia and Fiji since the establishment of the Indonesian Embassy in Suva in 2002.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s Minister of Education, Aseri Radrodro, said that education is the foundation that determines the fate of the country.

Fiji will ensure that the Indonesian government’s investment will be managed well and put to good use, he added. That way, Fijian students can study well and achieve their aspirations in the future.

The Queen Victoria School was among those affected by cyclone Winston.

As a result, QVS was forced to close for a long time.

The Indonesian Government took the initiative to provide rehabilitation support for Fiji with the hope that the school operation can return to normal.

Moreover, cooperation between Indonesia and Fiji is expected to increase and expand to other sectors in the future.