Minister for Education Rosy Akbar has revealed that the reason that was given to her by the management of Vatuvonu Seventh Day Adventist College in Cakaudrove to close the school down was because they were not happy about their Head of School, who is not a member of the SDA church.
Akbar has also told Fijivillage that the previous Head of School was a member of SDA Church and had applied for a transfer based on medical grounds. She says the current Acting Head of School was then appointed based on merit.
Akbar also says the Ministry does not interfere with the faith based teaching in schools and nothing has changed in the school.
Akbar also highlighted that they are not in favour of the closure of any school.
Meanwhile Peni Kuboutawa who is a parent of a student from the Vatuvonu Seventh Day Adventist College has called on government to take over the school and run it as they produce students with good marks.
Kuboutawa also alleges that the school was allegedly misusing all government funds and food allocations.
When questioned on this issue, the Minister for Education says that was not the reason given to her but she was told it had to deal with the management of Vatuvonu Seventh Day Adventist College not being happy about their Head of School.
Akbar says they are preparing to support parents to find alternatives for their children to continue their education elsewhere and teachers to be transferred to new posts.
Akbar says she hopes that the Seventh Day Adventist Church will change its decision in the best interests of the 178 students, 21 teachers and the community which is served by the College.
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