Skills Showcase at School Ground
The Ratu Sukuna Memorial School (RSMS) ground will be a hub for traditional artisans and practitioners, captivating students and the public with their skills and craftsmanship.
As the school transforms into the ‘Leadership Village’, it showcases historical information about Ratu Sukuna and the progress he initiated.
Fiji Arts Council
For the first time, the Fiji Arts Council (FAC) collaborates with relevant ministries to commemorate Ratu Sukuna Day.
Niqa Tuvuki, the FAC’s senior Craft development officer, emphasizes the strategic approach taken to highlight traditional crafts. “The Fiji Arts Council has been tasked to facilitate our craft practitioners and artisans,” she said. “We had about 15 practitioners, this is not only the place we have our practitioners allocated to, we also have others at FNU.”
Ratu Sukuna is a role model for me and many others in this country. He was well educated. We should be like him, following his legacy.
“We have masi (Tapa) makers, mat weavers, and different talents they have.”
Sukulu Kebaitoga, a masi maker from Moce Island in the Lau Group, captivates visitors by demonstrating the practical steps involved in masi making.
“We have stood the test of time, I really appreciate events like this because it allows us to showcase what Fiji has,” she said.
“I’m so happy and emotional at the same time to see how small children coming to this booth are so interested in knowing what I’m doing. They ask what’s this ma’am?, what’s that?, how did you make this?”
Shyla Ram, a Year 10 student from Jai Narayan College was surprised at the abundance of traditional information on display.
She acknowledges the organizers for creating a wonderful event that helps students better understand the life of Ratu Sukuna.
“We only hear about Ratu Sukuna, how he is Fiji’s modern father,” she said.
“Ratu Sukuna is a role model for me and many others in this country. He was well educated. We should be like him, following his legacy.”