Stop Listening to Threats Lies, Urges PM on Education
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama urged people to stop listening to empty threats and unfounded lies as he set the record straight on Government’s commitment to the development of education. Mr Bainimarama officiated the opening of the teachers’ quarters at Cautata District School and a bakery for the village. Mr Bainimarama was introduced as a friend to the people of Cautata, a friend who had been one of their key partners in development and enhancing livelihoods.
The hot sun did not seem to bother the villagers as they gathered for the auspicious occasion and welcomed the man who has been responsible for the development of education in Cautata in recent years.
“My Government’s commitment to education is of course no secret. The revolution that schooling in Fiji has undergone during my time as Prime Minister has been my proudest achievement,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“I find it fulfilling in saying that the real impact of Government investment and nowhere has that investment been clearer than in the students.
“That is why I was disappointed to see false rumours on social media about school fees and even more disappointed of hearing rumours affecting turnout to schools on September 23.
“I urge you to stop listening to empty threats and unfounded lies. Especially when it can undermine the progress we have worked so hard to achieve.” The school quarters and the bakery were made possible through a grant of $84,000 under the Small Grant Scheme from the Office of the Prime Minister.
“This shows my Government’s continued commitment to education and the broader role it plays in our development as a nation,”
Mr Bainimarama said. “These projects may seem small to some but I see the very large impact they have on our communities and our people.
“Facilities like these are so important because they allow our teachers to focus on teaching and our students to focus on learning.”
Mr Bainimarama said such projects are only possible through partnerships with communities. He thanked the school management in guiding the children and shaping them into tomorrow’s leaders.
He said this was a vision that is shared by him and his Government.
“It was during my visit last year, that I saw the need for a school quarters. I had since then made it a personal commitment to fill this gap for the benefit of the schools, the students and the community,” he said.
“I assure you my friends the free education grant has been a historic success and it is not going anywhere.”
Mr Bainimarama said the bakery was also an example of how a small community can help itself grow and become a contributor to the national economy.