J1241N Freedom Education Fiji

The Situation

In Labasa, Fiji, children face unique challenges shaped by socio-economic conditions, geography, and the broader political and environmental context. Fiji’s history of political instability has strained the economy, while cultural and familial unrest contribute to difficult living conditions. Many families come from fishing and farming backgrounds, living in basic, often makeshift homes made of fibro or corrugated iron. Their ability to support themselves and send children to school relies on the unpredictable sale of produce, impacted by weather, transport issues, and market access. The Labasa area also faces frequent flooding, which can lead to school closures during the rainy season, and hazardous conditions.

The Objective

The project is increasing access to quality education for students in Vunika, Labasa and surrounding areas, improving the economic status of their families and creating lasting change in Fiji through the following initiatives:

•  Supporting access to education by attracting children from needy families, promoting the school, maintaining optimal class sizes, and enhancing resources and academic performance.
• Addressing infrastructure needs, ensuring reliable teacher incomes, and the provision of training and support.
• Establishing a school farm and teaching self-sufficiency skills, providing food for the school and community.
• Raising funds to build a new, more accessible school complex for broader community access (during the rainy season).

J1241N Freedom Education Fiji empowers children in Labasa, Fiji, by providing quality education, self-sufficiency through a school farm, and a new school complex to create lasting change for families in need.