Schools across Penama are being encouraged to use their school grants to purchase safe drinking water for students as volcanic ash from Manaro continues to affect parts of the province.

Principal Education Officer John Tari told VBTC News that parts of Ambae, south Maewo, north Pentecost and central Pentecost have been affected by volcanic ash.

Following discussions with school principals, Mr Tari said access to safe drinking water and face masks has become an immediate priority because of the conditions students and teachers are learning in.

“We had a discussion with the principals from the northwest through to the southeast, and we came up with decisions. Every school has water sources, but unfortunately some have forgotten to cover their water sources. The WASH Cluster is slowly moving in, but for the time being we are encouraging schools to use their school grants to purchase drinking water for their students.”

The advice comes as schools continue to manage the impact of volcanic ash on their learning environments.

Mr Tari said face masks are also considered essential for students and teachers while ash remains present in affected areas.

VT20 million approved for Penama response

The Council of Ministers has approved VT20 million for the Penama Province and Climate Change Committee to take the lead in the response to the volcanic activity affecting Ambae.

The funding is intended to support response activities as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Mr Tari said the committee’s first task is to monitor the activity of the volcano and develop an impact response plan covering the next 10 days.

The plan will then be submitted to the Council of Ministers for further consideration.

With volcanic ash affecting parts of Penama, schools are being encouraged to ensure their water sources are protected from contamination.