Renewed hope was given to the 158 students of Degei House at Ratu Kadavulevu School in Lodoni, Tailevu.
They were moved to the senior dormitories after a fire gutted the Degei House dormitory on Friday night.
No one was injured, but the fire destroyed the belongings of students which included clothes, stationery and other personal items.
In a statement issued yesterday, Minister for Education Rosy Akbar said the school was going to purchase examination stationeries for students affected by the fire so they could continue to prepare for their examinations.
“Affected students in Years 12 and 11 will work together in study groups with those not affected in the fire,” she said.
“This will be co-ordinated by the head of school and teachers to ensure they continue to focus on exams,” she said.
“As Year Nine students will sit their exams from November 4, parents have taken them home in the interim. The school is preparing learning resources for these students to ensure that they return well prepared for the exams. Additional support from the teaching staff will also be provided on their return.
“Students, who used to live in Degei House, have moved to other dormitories previously occupied by Year 13 students who have recently completed their exams.
“The students have begun to receive donations of clothing and beddings from within the School.”
The quick response of the National Fire Authority ensured that the blaze did not spread to the neighbouring dormitory blocks.
According to students, the fire had started from the ceiling. However, NFA is yet to determine the cause of the fire as NFA’s investigation continues.
Yesterday, the students and teachers of RKS had a surprise visit from the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
It boosted the morale of the students and school management.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum held talks with the Commissioner Central Josefa Navuku and principle Pio Veivoli.
Engineering expertise will be required to assess the safety of the structure and this will determine if the building needs to be demolished or salvaged.
Save the Children Fund will deliver 100 sets of basic stationery today.
The ministry is also calling on people to come forward and help the students who have lost all belongings in the fire.
Attorney-General Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum visiting the Ratu Kadavulevu students on October 26, 2019. Photo: Kelera Sovasiga
Edited by Percy Kean
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