Students and staff at St. Vincent College and Primary School in Natovi have recently received a significant boost for their agricultural and kitchen operations through the provision of a new tractor trailer and five brushcutters from the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management. The equipment, valued at over $11,000, was supplied under the Ministry’s Rural Outer Island (ROI) Development Programme, which focuses on enhancing infrastructure and services in remote communities.
This new equipment will substantially reduce the physical workload for students, who previously had to collect firewood by foot from nearby forests for their hostel kitchen. During the handover, Minister Sakiasi R. Ditoka recognized the change this will bring, echoing sentiments shared in similar initiatives across Fiji aiming to empower rural communities with essential tools and resources.
Parish Priest and school manager, Father Filimoni Vosabalavu, expressed gratitude for the timely assistance. He noted that the trailer would significantly improve students’ time management, allowing them to redirect their efforts towards more productive activities rather than labor-intensive wood collection. This support not only enhances operational efficiency at the school but also contributes to maintaining a clean and safe environment thanks to the new brushcutters.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to strengthening rural communities through practical adjustments, much like previous efforts noted in areas such as Serua and Namosi, where similar assistance has been provided to agricultural cooperatives. These initiatives collectively reflect a hopeful outlook for rural development in Fiji, as they inspire communities to grow and succeed together, ensuring a sustainable future for the agricultural sector.
Overall, the support for St. Vincent College and Primary School symbolizes a stepping stone towards improving educational and operational capabilities in rural Fiji, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of local communities.
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