Dreketi Village, Qamea Island, Fiji – November 2025
The District School at Laucala in Dreketi village has finally begun its long-awaited reconstruction, nearly nine years after Cyclone Winston devastated Fiji in 2016. While many communities received support to rebuild, the Laucala School faced unique challenges that delayed its restoration.
Background
Cyclone Winston left a trail of destruction, but the Laucala School initially survived the storm. However, the loss of trees behind the school led to soil instability. Nine months later, a rainstorm triggered a landslide that destroyed the school, leaving children from Dreketi and nearby areas without a proper learning environment. Makeshift classrooms sprang up in storage sheds, the local church, and any available shelter, ensuring education continued despite the adversity.
Community and Rotary Taveuni Response
With government resources stretched thin, the responsibility of rebuilding fell to the villagers and teachers. Rotary Taveuni, led by Past President Peter Brown, stepped in to raise the necessary funds. Despite being a small club of just 10 active members, Rotary Taveuni, with support from District 9920 clubs, Australian clubs, and a generous donation from a local resort, successfully raised over $250,000 for the project
Overcoming Logistical Challenges
Transporting building materials from Suva to Qamea Island posed a major logistical challenge, requiring a sea-going barge and experienced crew. Government funding was unavailable, but the ‘It’s Time Foundation’, directed by Rob Edwards, raised an additional $70,000 to cover these costs. Materials were sourced from local businesses, and in October 2025, the barge arrived at Dreketi village, greeted warmly by the community. A touching video of this moment is available at
https://taveunirotary.com/rsfu, and photos documenting the journey can be found at
https://taveunirotary.com/tr9dLooking Ahead
Construction is progressing on schedule, and children are expected to start in their new school in early 2026. The new facility will feature off-grid electricity and air conditioning, setting a positive example for Rotary clubs across Australia and New Zealand. This achievement demonstrates that with determination and collaboration, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Contact Information
- Rotary Club of Taveuni: info@taveunirotary.com
- Project Details: phbrown20@gmail.com
- It’s Time Foundation: rob@robedwards.co
- Media Contact: Paul Purvis, Phone: +61403442764
Below is the current state of the school
Dates: 20–22 March 2026
Location: Napier, New Zealand
