Saunaka villagers in Nadi have invested in the construction of a new primary school to mark its hundred year centennial celebrations.
Minister for Education, Filipe Bole, who officially opened the Ratu Nalukuya Primary School today, commended the villagers for their remarkable achievement in helping educational development of its children.
“It is extraordinary indeed because normally villagers would be celebrating their century with chants, songs and merry making, but you chose to have a centre for learning in your village to mark your 100 year anniversary. Now, that is a genuine reason for celebration,” Mr Bole said.
The school which is named after the late turaga na tui Naua and Saunaka chief Ratu Taito Nalukuya would cater for close to 26 students attending classes 1 to 3.
The turaga na taukei Naua personally invested $100, 000 in the preparation, construction, purchasing of furniture, stationeries and text books for the new primary school.
“Government through the Education Ministry is doing its best to make education accessible and affordable but Saunaka has gone a step further by literally bringing the school to the individual homes,” Mr Bole added.
School manager Ratu Taito highlighted that education was imperative for the growth and development of any nation and Government’s commitment towards this was recently seen during the 2014 national budget announcement where a budgetry allocation of $541million was made towards education in Fiji.
“We are thankful that we (Saunaka Village) are able to assist and take advantage of educational initiatives provided by Government. It’s not that we want handouts but more so it’s an investment by the village to its future generations,” Ratu Taito said.
Mr Bole took the opportunity to remind parents and members of the community to place more emphasis on the education of their children.
“While teachers are central to learning in a school, a child’s education is not complete without the close involvement of parents, as well as the input of other experienced and talented members of the community who are willing to share their skills and knowledge,” he said.