Paramount to enjoy education: Kumar
You must take education seriously, says Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Kumar. Chief guest at the Tabucola Valibar Sangam Primary School golden jubilee celebration in Labasa on Saturday night, Mr Kumar told the students to enjoy education. “Learning is for life and what your teachers have taught will remain with you forever,” Mr Kumar said. “It is paramount that you enjoy education.” He said it would become students strength because knowledge is power. “Through education you will prepare yourself for the present and future.You must take education seriously. “It will determine your future and the future of this country.” He requested parents and guardians to invest in children’s education. “Just as we in the Government of the day are doing. Please continue to supervise and monitor your children. “Teach them the virtues on which Sangam is built on and that is to learn and serve,” Minister Kumar said. “A time to reflect on the past and create a better future for the children of Tabucola community.” Tabucola Valibar Sangam Primary School president and a former student Muniappa Naicker said the school has flourished over the years in terms of development.
“I have joined the institution as a student in 1967 and studied in classroom built with roofing iron on top and weaved bamboos lying on the mud and on the side covered with mesh wire,” Mr Naicker said. “I vividly remember in the 80s and 90s we used to fork out money from our pockets to cook meals at the school with volunteers for various school projects.”
Minister donated toward school project The celebration ended on a high note after Mr Kumar donated $1000 for their school walkway project. Chairman of the golden jubilee celebration Shiva Achari said the school was thankful to Mr Kumar’s kind donation. “I highlighted about the need for funding of the school walkway project during the closing ceremony and Mr Kumar genuinely donated,” Mr Achari said. “His kind gesture has encouraged many to support this school project.” School manager Kamlesh Reddy said the project was instigated by the ex-students association. The ex-students had already collected some funds during the three day celebrations. “Currently, there is no walkway and teachers and students struggle especially when it rains,” Mr Reddy said. Mr Kumar said this occasion allowed him as a minister in the FijiFirst Government to reach out to the people of this community. Edited by Paula Tuvuki