International students from institute clean up streets in Lautoka
Institute students were looking for opportunities to do something good and wanted to keep students motivated.
The incessant littering along the streets of Lautoka City continues to bother stakeholders. This has prompted 30 international students and 10 teachers of the Free Bird Institute, Lautoka campus to assist the Lautoka City Council through a vigorous clean-up drive last Thursday.
Institute intern Daisuke Hirasawa said the purpose of their activities had three reasons.
The first is to keep the famous Fiji clean and give back to the community.
“Secondly to perform enlightenment activities about garbage dumping in the city.
“Thirdly, they (students) hope to make Fijian people be gentler towards them as they sometimes are victims of being robbed, deceived, and cheated by the local community members.”
Mr Hirasawa added Free Bird Institute students were looking for opportunities to do something good and wanted to keep students motivated.
“I would like to teach the students that something good happens to them if they do something good without greed,” he said.
“We are planning to continue similar activities every month,
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38 KJV),” he said, quoting from the Bible.
The event was a voluntary exercise after the class, and it took about one hour.
Picking up rubbish was done using equipment donated by one of the students and it took place through Tavewa Avenue in front of the school to the post office.
Lautoka City Council chief executive officer Jone Nakauvadra applauded the free service by the teachers and students. He said this was an example of good citizenry. Mr Nakauvadra said there was a need for more civic pride.