School kids on Koro Island received a timely boost in the form of new sets of library books donated to them by Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Jone Usamate.
Mr Usamate, who is there as part of the ministry’s roadshow handed books to primary schools at Nabasovi, Vunivasa and Nacamaki.
“One of the key components towards academic advancement is reading. It develops our children’s speaking and writing skills” Mr Usamate said.
Head teachers of respective schools showed their appreciation as they received the books.
The head teacher of Nacamaki District School, Mrs Kinisalote Tupou said they are grateful towards the Ministry and the Government to adding more value to their library.
“We encourage children to mostly communicate in English during classes as this improves their speaking skills which will greatly benefit them as they advance academically,” Mrs Kinisalote Tupou said.
Nacamaki Village spokesperson Mr Tupeni Baleilekutu thanked the Minister and Government for the concern shown towards development of their children.
Mr Usamate said Government is committed to ensure that our children receive the best education. For this Fiji has for the first time made education at Childhood, Primary and Secondary education free.
Government has also made scholarship and loan assistance available for tertiary qualifications.
Mr Amania Waqa, the Executive Teacher of Nabasovi District School said the books will assist a total of 146 students in the school.
The Minister also addressed teachers in the respective schools, reminding them the importance of reading and being a role model to the students.
“We are very delighted by the Minister’s visit to the school and the donation of the books. It will greatly assist the students in their education,” the Head Teacher of Vunivasa District School, Mrs Verenaisi Yaya said.
The Minister also held discussions with teachers on the developments in the school.
The Minister and his team will be visiting other schools on the island to donate more books before returning to Suva on Tuesday 1st July.
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