MEA spearheads negotiation between closed down Kwarea Community School and stakeholders of the school to resume classes as soon as possible
THE Malaita Education Authority (MEA) is negotiating the reopening of Kwarea Community High School in West Kwara’ae with the school and its stakeholders.
The school was closed on Thursday 4 May 2023 following threats and demand on the school for money by landowners. There were seven unauthourised withdrawals from the school’s Bank South Pacific account from January to March this year and the School Principal, Clay Ata, had recently called for an investigation into.
The closure of the school impacts on the education of its more than 900 students who along with their parents are worried about their educational welfare and future.
Speaking to Solomon Star Auki, the Malaita Education Authority (MEA)’s Education Officer (Acting) for the Central Region, Fred Toloa said negotiation amongst stakeholders is progressing and the school is expected to reopen for classes this week.
Mr Toloa said MEA has already notified teachers teaching at the school to return to their duty station and resume their classes as of this week.
“The authority has already notified the teachers to return to school and recontinue classes. The authority is currently negotiating this matter with concerned stakeholders.
“Therefore, we expect the classes should be resume by this week at the earliest.”
Mr Toloa said the education of children is vital and everyone, including stakeholders, should work together for the betterment of the school and the educational welfare of students alike.
He encouraged parents and guardians to work together with landowners and other stakeholders to allow the school to reopen so as to provide for the educational needs of children within the school’s catchment communities.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
