The Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm Kindergarten, a $26,000 state-of-the-art facility, has been opened to serve as a center for early learning and play for children from Kavanagasau and nearby communities. This project was made possible through a generous donation from the Tappoo Group of Companies and was officially inaugurated earlier this month.
Located approximately 18 kilometers from Sigatoka Town, the kindergarten contributes to the school’s enrollment, which includes primary education from Years One to Eight and secondary education from Years Nine to 13. Jitendra Kumar, the head of the school, welcomed guests and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Tappoo Group, emphasizing the importance of the new play center in fostering creativity and exploratory learning beyond the traditional classroom.
“The opening of this Early Childhood Education (ECE) play center marks a significant advancement in promoting quality education within the Nadroga Navosa education district,” Mr. Kumar stated.
The play center honors the late Tappoo Kanji, a pioneering student of the school and a key figure in the Tappoo family’s legacy. Kanti Tappoo, chairperson of the Tappoo Group, shared an emotional connection to the school, recalling his father’s enrollment in 1933. He remarked that the play center symbolizes the family’s commitment to the community and early education.
The Tappoo Group’s support for the institution extends beyond this project, as they previously donated IT equipment worth $12,500 to develop the school’s computer lab. Their focus this year has been to enhance the learning environment for young students, reinforcing their ongoing support for this rural school.
Janice Nath, the Education Officer for Nadroga Navosa, commended the Tappoo Group for their dedication to nurturing lifelong learners. She noted that the play center would not only benefit the children of Kavanagasau but also reflect the Ministry of Education’s commitment to innovative and quality education. “Early childhood education is foundational to future learning, and this facility will create a conducive environment for students,” she added.
The Kavanagasau Kindergarten ECE play center is set to significantly impact the social, emotional, and physical development of its young learners. With backing from the Tappoo Group, the school management committee, and the Ministry of Education, this center will become a vital part of community education.
The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, symbolizing the joint effort behind this achievement and the community’s commitment to providing children with a strong educational foundation.
In another achievement, the Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharam Primary School celebrated its second consecutive year of a 100 percent pass rate in the Fiji Eighth Year Examination. Mr. Kumar credited this success to the collaboration between teachers and parents. Notably, Lice Vuliasi from Kavanagasau settlement achieved the highest marks. He indicated that the school will continue striving for excellence with strong parental support. Mr. Kumar mentioned that they have addressed weaknesses identified in 2023 to ensure quality performance again this year.
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