This morning, a fire started around 0800hrs at Adi Cakobau School in Q dormitory. The National Fire Authority (NFA) was called around 0815h and arrived at 0835h to bring the fire under control. As is usual, the NFA is working to identify the cause of the fire.
No-one was injured but the belongings of 17 students have unfortunately been destroyed. The Honorable Minister, Rosy S Akbar, visited the School this morning and expressed relief that neither students nor teachers were injured in the incident.
The Ministry, working with the Head of School, has put the following arrangements in place:
a) Replacement items, including clothing, toiletries and bedding will be purchased this afternoon from the Free Education Grant
b) Counselling as may be required is being coordinated by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council
c) Some students, who are able, have volunteered to move home and attend as a day student while the others will share space in the remaining dormitories for the short term
d) Other students who live close to the School but who are currently boarders will be approached to move home to provide space in dormitories for those whose parents are on the islands or in areas far from the School.
The Ministry would like to acknowledge the support provided by the supplier who has offered each student a replacement uniform at no cost. This expression of solidarity and support is greatly appreciated.