Fiji Sun

Head Boy Turned Down by Many Schools Until Shiri Guru Nanak...

- SHRATIKA NAIDU LABASA Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj

Beato Ralomaleka­leka always wanted to be the person who brings sunshine into the lives of others. On Thursday he couldn’t believe that his discipline and character earned him the opportunit­y to become the head boy of Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa College in Labasa. The 18-year-old of Kubulau, Bua said he was forever grateful to teachers and the school’s faith in him.

After attending Immaculate Conception College and Saint Bedes College, the eldest of eight siblings moved to Labasa in 2022 to stay with his grandparen­ts at Lowcost in Bulileka.

“I visited many secondary schools requesting if they could enrol me, but they said they were full,” Beato said.

“When I entered this school, the teachers managed to find a place for me.”

He grabbed the opportunit­y, studied diligently and participat­ed in numerous regular academic coursework including extracurri­cular activities and sports.

“I’m surprised. But at the same time it is reassuring to know that the teachers have a lot of faith in me,” said the aspiring aircraft engineer.

“Like me, there are many teenagers who leave their parents and village for better education opportunit­y in Labasa Town.”

Thankful for his grandparen­ts able support, he aims to improve the living standard of his family because his parents’ only source of income is from yaqona farming. Head girl, Zuhairah Samat was confident of being named in the position because she scored the highest mark (364 out of 400) in the Fiji Year 12 Certificat­e Examinatio­n,.

The 17-year-old of Wailevu, Labasa already has plan to perform her duties to the best of her ability. At the same time she expects to score the highest in the Fiji Year 13 Certificat­e Examinatio­n this year. “I thank my teachers and parents for their support,” Zuhairah said. She wants to become a chartered accountant because of her passion for calculatio­n.

Her parents are teachers at the school.

I visited many secondary schools requesting if they could enrol me, but they said they were full. I’m surprised. But at the same time it is reassuring to know that the teachers have a lot of faith in me. Beato Ralomaleka­leka Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa College head boy

 ?? Photo: Shratika Naidu ?? Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa College head girl Zuhairah Samat and head boy Beato Ralomaleka­leka in Labasa on February 22, 2024.
Photo: Shratika Naidu Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa College head girl Zuhairah Samat and head boy Beato Ralomaleka­leka in Labasa on February 22, 2024.

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