Unaisi given second chance at school

Unaisi Navaniyawa was not accepted at a Lautoka school as a result of attaining low marks in her Year Eight Examinations last year. But thanks to the Ministry of Education’s, ‘No Child Left Behind’ Strategic Meeting with the Education Minister yesterday, Unaisi will begin her Year 9 at the same school from term two.

The responsibility to ensure she went back to school was handed over to the Divisional Education Officer, Selemo Drukamaisau, by Education Minister Mahendra Reddy after hearing her issue.

Mr Reddy along with the senior education officers yesterday at the Technical College of Fiji, Dr Shaukat Ali Sahib Campus, Nadi, heard from the parents of their grievances and obstacles for their children to attend schools or technical colleges.

“I am happy that I will be able to go back to school and with this opportunity given I will do my best and study hard,” Unaisi said.

Like Unaisi, others present at the meeting were visited at their homes by the team of ministry officials to inform and hear of their issues.

Similarly, mother, Alumeci Tubutubu of Nadi Back Road, express her joy as she was told her two children could go back to school.

“One of my child is disabled and has not been to school ever, and despite trying I could not because of the unavailability of medical reports on time but hearing from the Minister has given me hope and I am happy,” Ms Tubutubu said.

Her son, 19, who had dropped out of school two years ago wanted to go to school and therefore Mr Reddy suggested that he join Technical College to which he agreed to.Many parents were reassured they would receive assistance in line with the Education ministry’s policies.