THE PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A REMOTE VILLAGE IN THE SIGATOKA VALLEY HAD A SURPRISE START TO THEIR SCHOOL YEAR WHEN THEY RECEIVED A NEW PLAYGROUND.

The resort’s engineers again stepped in and helped landscape the grounds and erect a fence.

The project was made possible through Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and its Executive Chef, Shailesh Naidu, who is a former pupil of the Nadrala Sangam School.

The pre-school children in a remote village in the Sigatoka Valley had a surprise start to their school year when they recieved a new playground.

The project was made possible through Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and its Executive Chef, Shailesh Naidu, who is a former pupil of the Nadrala Sangam School. The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s association with the Nadrala Sangam School began when Chef Naidu was invited by the school to attend its annual prefects’ induction.

“I could see they were trying their best to build a kindergarten but were struggling with finance,” he said. “They needed this kindergarten as local pre-school kids had to walk a very long way to attend one. “I approached the resort general manager, Peter Hopgood, to discuss assistance in completing it and with strong support from the Nadrala community, Outrigger Fiji’s engineering team finished construction of the kindergarten.” With the kindergarten completed, the resort’s engineering team again stepped in and helped to landscape the grounds and erect a fence and playground. The playground equipment was sourced by Mr Naidu’s partner, Rita, through assistance from generous friends and families living in Sydney.

The school’s headteacher, Pranil Singh, said the fencing and playground was a timely boost for the new academic year.

“Our enrolment has increased and we are thankful to Chef Naidu and the engineering team at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. These contributions are a proud moment for the community of Nadrala,” Mr Singh said. Mr Hopgood was proud of Chef Naidu and his engagement with the school. “Our culture at Outrigger Fiji is all about giving back to our local community and Chef Naidu has fully embraced this ideology,” Mr Hopgood said.

Photo: Outrigger FIji Beach Resort Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort general manager Peter Hopgood (carrying child), with the resort’s executive chef Shailesh Naidu and partner Rita handing over the playground to the management and children at the Nadrala Sangam School.

Photo: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort Executive chef Shailesh Naidu and partner Rita hands over equipment while headteacher Pranil Kumar Singh and a teacher looks on at the Nadrala Sangam School.