Let's continue to soar like an eagle amid our tragic losses
For those who knew well the victims of the fatal Nabou crash, their sudden demise left a void no other can fill.
Apraise and thanksgiving service held yesterday at Ratu Navula College brought a sense of closure for students, former students, parents and teachers after a traumatic and emotional week.
The horrific three-vehicle accident that claimed the lives of seven people at Nabou last Saturday has been the topic of conversation at the dinner table, around the tanoa, among colleagues, friends and strangers. Often, there have been more questions than answers. For those who knew the victims well, their sudden demise left a void no other can fill.
For people who travel daily along the Queens Road, they have noted a drop in speed by some motorists along with a more cautious attitude.
Those present at the thanksgiving service yesterday remembered Year 10 student Marika Rua, 16, who died on the spot in Nabou and Josevati Saukuru, 18, who was on life support at the Lautoka Hospital before he died on Tuesday morning.
The service also signified the end of a three-day counselling programme run by the Ministry of Education through the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council or NSAAC.
The three days were intensive with analysis that showed that students were hurt, angry and unforgiving. By sharing how they feel, the students also recognised the need for them to move on and let go of the negativity and pain.
Personal encouragement and a reminder of one’s purpose sometimes help put things in perspective. Yesterday’s ceremony was apt. Students released balloons and burned letters to release the negative thoughts, feelings and emotions they had built up since the horrific accident.
Every day the school body will have to be reminded of yesterday’s message when they see the school logo of an eagle in flight.
The praise and thanksgiving theme of the ceremony was “Soaring Through The Turbulence.” The messages shared were uplifting.
Perhaps it’s a reminder, not only for the Ratu Navula College family, but for all Fijians. We are bound to face turbulence in life - on a personal level, family, in our community, villages and even as a nation. But like the eagle, we can still soar. For through pain comes strength.