Cyclone Harold Interviews: Enkul Primary School, Central Pentecost, Vanuatu

You can see a fallen classroom in the background and a destroyed staff house. A makeshift kitchen has been set up. This view is a good representation of the whole village.

The teacher is called Ms. Jane and she teaches at Enkul primary school. The school has been completely destroyed by Cyclone Harold but it’s not just the school; elsewhere in the community all the houses, crops, gardens etc. have been destroyed.

Since the cyclone, people have been living in the Nakamal because the houses are not yet repaired. It is not possible to even think about school yet because there are no staff houses, classrooms and the things inside, like the textbooks, printer, equipment, generator etc., have been damaged. All the new textbooks that were sent out last year and the curriculum material has been lost. The curriculum from years 1-4 has been damaged as have the old books.

The church and dispensary has fallen down but the houses take priority before they can start on the school. It will take two years for life to return to normal.

Fortunately, there are no injuries, including the sick people who could not leave their beds.

The teacher thanks everyone and appeals to anyone who can help the school or community.