Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama made strong emphasis on the importance of education while officiating at the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration of Gau Secondary School (Naivilali) on Gau Island yesterday (22/07/22).
In his address to those present, PM Bainimarama stated that the Fijian Government has made efforts in enabling students to have free education and compulsory education for every child from primary level to tertiary. This has also lifted the burden off many parents from having to fork out money for school fees and transportation costs.
“I want to remind students, teachers, and guardians that your Government believes that education is the greatest investment we can make in our future. Education makes us more resilient –– by allowing us to create solutions that we once could not imagine. It brings us together by levelling the playing field of Fijian society. And it sets us a lifelong journey of self-improvement that betters our lives and betters Fiji.
“We have prioritised the education of Fijians of all ages by introducing the Free Education Grant, Free Bus Fare and Free Textbooks to name a few. I am proud to say that we are the first Government to provide free and compulsory education for every child.
The Prime Minister also spoke on some initiatives that were announced in the recent National Budget for Fijians. These include the $1 per child per day for the next six months, social welfare assistance and the rural and maritime location allowances for civil servants living and working in rural and maritime areas.
Waita Rosi, an old scholar of the school said being back to the school that moulded them to be better citizens of the country is a proud moment for her and her fellow old-scholars.
“We are all living our own lives, working and living in Fiji and abroad, and to be back in Naivilali brings back all the memories of our school days. This golden jubilee has allowed for us to reunite and reminisce on the progress of Gau Secondary over the years,” she said.
To access the PM’s speech at the celebration, click on: