Emotional farewell for former graduates at close of reunion

Emotions ran high with tears flowing freely, hugs and well-wishes around – that’s how the first Nasinu Teachers College (NTC) reunion for 1970s graduates concluded at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Nasinu Campus earlier this week.

After spending three days together, many of the participants who reunited after almost 40 years reluctantly farewelled each other with the hope of returning to the university in the near future for a similar function.

NTC’s first local principal, Ambika Prasad, expressed his joy at seeing most of his students and hearing of their experiences since graduating as teachers.

“I am so proud of you all and even those who have gone before us or were not able to make it here today. I have been with you all not as your principal, but as your senior colleague and companion during

these last few days,” he said.

“This has been a fulfilling and enriching reunion and I am glad we have reconnected as graduates and former staff of NTC and I want us all to continue discussions and decide on what kind of legacy we will leave behind as the NTC ‘70s graduates.”

Mr Prasad also acknowledged the support of FNU in hosting the event on campus and meeting the accommodation and catering needs of the alumni.

FNU Alumni Relations Manager Artila Devi added that the university was proud to have hosted such a distinguished group of alumni. More than 100 alumni were part of the three-day reunion that was officially opened on Sunday evening by the Education Minister, Rosy Akbar.