Vatuvonu secondary college resumes classes

Classes at Vatuvonu Adventist School have started as Term 2 commenced this morning.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church and the government are locked in a legal battle over the Church’s decision to privatize Vatuvonu Adventist School.

Several RSL carriers from the nearby villages arrived at the school this morning, carrying loads of students eager to start the new school term.

As well, all teachers have retained their posts at the school.

This morning, FBC News noticed that the word ‘Adventist’ on the school signboard has been painted over.

The school is now known as Vatuvonu Secondary College.

A few of the students we spoke to say they are grateful that the school did not close down as it will be hard to look for another school, given the location of their villages.

The decision to allow Vatuvonu to remain open was made following a court order that directed the SDA Church to hand over management of the school to the Ministry of Education so authorities can investigate allegations of misuse of funds at the school.

A new school committee and manager have since been appointed by the Ministry to oversee the running of the school.

Only some of the day scholars have started classes today.

FBC News understands the boarding students will be arriving this afternoon.

There are around 178 students at the school with about 48 boarders.