PM: Our Work In Education Beyond Politics
The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, delivered Government aid to the Christian Mission Fellowship College in Nasinu yesterday, one week into the start of a new school term.
Close to $130,000 was spent to acquire 30 computer units, 480 classroom desks and chairs and teachers’ tables for the nearly 400 students at the school. Barron Vou, 16, an aspiring lawyer, said he was relieved to have new computers at his school. The Year 12 student said his parents had to fork out money when the class got an assignment so he could complete it at an internet café. “The computer donated by the Prime Minister (Government), will help me a lot in my study and research as I prepare for the Fiji School Leaving Certificate exams,” said the Malolo, Nadroga, native.
Mr Bainimarama, accompanied by the Minister for Education, Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum, in his address said access to high quality education for young people was a Governmental priority.
“Our work in education is far bigger than politics,” he said.
“It is about raising a new generation of talented, ambitious and motivated young people who will carry this nation to even greater heights in the years ahead. That is our mission (and) the ultimate aim of my Government.”
He cited free education, subsidised bus fares and added provision of free text books, Weet-Bix and milk for students as evidence to this. “We’ve done this for every student in Fiji, no matter who they are, no matter where they live, no matter their religion, and certainly no matter who their parents, pastors or community members may support in our elections,” he said.
Students greeted the Government delegation with the national anthem, sung in all the three major languages in Fiji. This was followed by a rousing devotional song to officially open the event. School Board manager and chairman Emosi Toroca said the aid was timely and provided a firm foundation for the school for the entire year.
“The assistance from the Government has come in at the right time when we were really desperate for school equipment,” Mr Toroca said.
“Our aim is to really meet the needs of the children and this will help us achieve that.”