Education, contributions
Starting school on time
THE Ministry of Education has stated the schools will start on time although our nation is struggling and many in the North are worried about their future both in terms of house building and sending their children to school.
Many might consider this to be a harsh decision by the Education Minister. We do realise the harsh reality on the ground but we also should take into consideration the amount of quality time already wasted because of COVID-19.
The Education Minister has made it clear that there is no pressure and the presence of students in schools on time will be a positive move for the academic year. The students and parents can take it easy and will also be assisted where possible.
We are still in the cyclone season and let’s hope not but if another devastation strikes, then the process can get delayed again and same situation may unfold. Therefore, I believe the minister’s concern on valuable education on time is not unjustified.
A lot has happened but education must go on.
Please try to start it with positive thoughts.
Not easy but not that difficult either. Keep the mind strong and know that good things are to come. Don’t lose hope. Life has to go on.
KIRTI PATEL
Lautoka
Response to appeals
ONE would really be hard-pressed to find a society or community outside of Fiji where the people are just about always on call to contribute to one appeal or another –– whether it is national or local and whether it is a traditional call or obligation, or otherwise.
Either way, it can really put pressure on one’s generosity and ability to contribute, or so it seems.
One would have thought that as each appeal comes up, one’s “marginal propensity to contribute” levels off and likely becomes zero in terms of personal satisfaction gained.
The extraordinary thing is, despite even the unprecedented times such as today, the pool of generosity that Fijians have, does not seem to dry up, despite the sometimes dire situation one is in.
While everything is drastically changing and evolving around us, one can always count on our people to front up to meet the call or appeal and contribute generously with the widest of smiles and a prayer to boot.
One does not realise that at times, the consequence at home, for making such generous contributions, is usually a cassava or bread and black tea meal for days thereafter.
Amazing really, but most reassuringly heartwarming.
EDWARD BLAKELOCK
Pacific Harbour