The vanua of Wailevu has commended the opening of the Labasa Muslim College telecentre.
Giving free internet access to more than 3000 members of the community and 376 students, the telecentre opened today by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama gives better access to knowledge and the wider world.
Turaga ni koro for Wailevu (village headman), Senirosi Baleira said that the telecentre will be of benefit to the children of Wailevu, a majority of whom are students of Labasa Muslim College.
“I am grateful for this government initiative which gives access to free knowledge via the internet for our children and also to also about 400 Wailevu villagers,” Mr Baleira said.
“Before our children used to walk to Labasa town, now they will only have to walk for about 6 minutes to access computing services in particular the internet.”
The village headman also acknowledged other assistance rendered by government to the tikina of Wailevu in the provision of basic necessities.
Sharing similar sentiments, Labasa Muslim College head teacher, Kamlesh Prasad said that government was bridging the digital divide between the rich and the poor and the rural and urban people.
“Before computer and internet was only accessible to people that were rich,” Mr Prasad said.
“Students and members of the community alike will now be able to use the computers with free internet for research, search for jobs online and use printing services free of charge.”
Labasa Muslim College deputy head girl, Shonam Chand said that the free internet provided by government will be helpful to them in their quest for knowledge.
“I live near the school so I will be able to walk here and use the internet also after hours,” Chand said.
“Before I used to travel into Labasa town to access computing services but now after I finish my project I will be able to print it straight away.”
Government’s 15th telecentre was opened by the head government this afternoon at Savusavu Secondary School.
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