Recognise the sacrifice

FIJI Day commemorates the signing of the Deed of Cession in 1874 which was signed by 13 Fijian chiefs and Hercules Robinson on behalf of the British Crown.

"The day is a reminder of how much our ancestors struggle in order to get freedom for us," said Siddiqa Ali, deputy head girl for Nasinu Muslim College.

Nasinu Muslim College students celebrated not only one, but three events last Wednesday: Fiji Day, Children's Day and World Teacher's Day.

"For a number of years the school has not participated in the celebration in a big way until yesterday, said school principal Shafiq Ahmed.

The school organised the event so students can know what this day is for," said Mr Ahmed.

The Social Science Department came up with the program focused on Deed of Cession – when Fiji was ceded to Great Britain.

Students dressed in costumes dramatised the historic event that took place in Levuka.

Teachers set up games for the students just to have fun and enjoy the day.

The purpose of reserving a day for children, who are future of tomorrow, is to help them learn their civic pride and support their country and the government of the day.

Celebrations were also to honour the work and role teachers played in the lives of our learned minds.

Mr Ahmed said teachers should be respected and recognised for their hard work, effort and commitments.

"I think the teachers are putting a lot of hard work and the pressure is on as well so we are giving a day for them to relax their mind before they start with preparation for the examination," he said.

"Fiji Day is a day that has been celebrated for so many years now. It brings out that special effect in people," said Neema Sharif, head girl of Nasinu Muslim College, last Wednesday.

"We need to remember the primitive ways of doing things. We should continue to use this knowledge to educate the younger generations so they can have knowledge of what actually was going on and the difficulties our ancestors have faced," said Neema.

The teachers came in their vibrant blue kalavata bula shirts and dresses.

Picture: SERAFINA SILAITOGA Picture: SERAFINA SILAITOGA Picture: RAMA Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Fiji Day celebration in Labasa as people march through town. Minister for Women and Children Mereseini Vuniwaqa cuts the Fiji Day cake with children of Labasa during the celebration. Students of class 402 of Holy Trinity Primary school performs an item during the Fiji Day celebration at school. Students of Nasinu Muslim College during the Fiji Day celebration, World Teachers Day and World Children’s Day celebration in Suva. Year 4 and 5 students of International Primary School during the school Fiji day celebration in Suva. International School Suva band performs during the Fiji Day celebration in Suva.

Picture: SENIMILI BRADBURGH Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Year 10 students of Nasinu Muslim College in their colourful attire. Students eagerly await for the Fiji Day program to start. Students of Nasinu Muslim College celebrates Fiji day celebration, World teachers day and World Children day in Suva. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Teachers and students of International School Suva. Teachers and students of Nasinu Muslim College celebrate during the Fiji Day celebration, World Teacher’s Day and World Children’s Day in Suva.