Simione Named Headboy A Day After Burying Dad
Chief guest Akbar wipes tears off Simione despite putting on brave face.
Sabeto Central School’s prefect induction ceremony, in Nadi, was a sombre occasion. But the central figure of the event stood his ground and won the hearts of the school fraternity and the chief guest, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Rosy Akbar.
The newly-inducted headboy was in deep mourning, following the death of his father the previous week.
Simione Nadolo, 13, had just buried his dad, Usaia Rokoua, 51, a day before the induction. His dad died at the Lautoka Hospital and died last week.
However, Simione pulled himself together and put on a brave face as he walked up to the podium to be badged.
It was an emotional moment for students and teachers to witness Simione take his place before the chief guest to receive his badge.
Ms Akbar reminded Simione to be strong as she proceeded to wipe off tears from Simione’s face.
The entire assembly was visibly moved and many were in tears.
Simione said losing his father before the induction was one of the most painful experiences.
“I wished he was here. I farewelled him yesterday in my village with a heavy heart knowing that he will not be present today. But from now all the sacrifices I make will be for him and his memory,” Simione said.
Assistant headteacher Munendra Mistry said Simione informed the school that his father had passed away.
“We didn’t know until he came and told us a day before the funeral that his dad had passed away. It didn’t stop Simione from attending school,’’ Mr Mistry said.
“The school was really shocked. He came to school and everything seemed normal. He was carrying out his duty diligently without telling us anything.”
Simione’s mother, Siteri Liku, 50, said her husband knew while being admitted at hospital that their youngest son would be inducted the school headboy.
She added that their husband was the sole breadwinner of the family. They have four children and two grandchildren.
“I had relayed the news to my husband that Simione will be inducted as school headboy and he kept reminding me that I should make sure our son was well prepared to take up this big role,” Ms Liku said.
The headgirl is Isha Mistry; assisted by Kristina Kavita while the deputy headboy is Nitish Chand.
In making appointments unique to the school, it has appointed six environment prefects, six road prefects and eight class prefects devoted to maintaining discipline at individual class level.
The school has a roll of 300 students and a staff of 30, which includes teachers, administration workers and ancillary employees like gardeners and groundsmen.