Government’s many investments towards the education sector are targeted at grooming Fijian children to become responsible citizens of the country, said the Minister for Education, Filipe Bole.
Mr Bole highlighted this at the opening of a new staffroom and a library at Noco Secondary School in Rewa today.
Government provided a funding of $80,000 to construct the two new facilities at the school in the beginning of this term to cater for the shortage of optional subject classrooms.
He said with Government providing assistance to make education accessible to all students in Fiji, the onus now is on these students to study hard and be successful.
“Students must concentrate on their studies and listen to their teachers. It is the responsibility of the teachers and parents to provide moral support to the students so that they become good citizens of the nation and obtain good jobs,” Mr Bole said.
Mr Bole added that the fee-free education grant introduced this year is testament to the Government’s commitment to improving education for the children of Fiji.
“We are also developing rural schools around the country, bus fare assistance continues and text books are also provided. Members of the communities need to work together and capitalise on the opportunities provided,” Minister Bole said.
Noco Secondary School principal, Maikali Benaca said the assistance provided by the Ministry of Education was timely.
“The school was established in 2006 with only 13 students, however, from this year we started with Year 13 with 20 students. The school roll is 130 and we cater for students from the districts of Noco, Tokatoka, Dreketi and Burebasaga,” Mr Benaca said.
Mr Benaca said the Noco Secondary School was affected by a flood at the beginning of Term 2 this year and they requested assistance from the Education Ministry to address the problem of shortage of classrooms for optional subjects.
“Our contractors built the staffroom and library for $72,000 and the other $8000 was used to fully complete our science lab. The initial staffroom was converted into a telecentre together with a new admin and office block. We are fortunate to receive assistance from government.”
The principal said previously, students used to have optional classes in the corridors and sometimes two classes were held in one classroom.
“The telecentre is used by the students and villagers from the three districts close by. Our students no longer have to go to town to use internet for research or project assignments. The library is also resourceful for research purposes,” Mr Benaca added.
Construction works at the school began promptly after concerns were raised with the ministry and it completed about a month ago.
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