Deuba District School recently celebrated an impressive 118 years of educational service, marking its significance as a cornerstone of learning and cultural heritage for the local community in the tikina of Deuba. Founded in 1906, it stands as one of the oldest institutions in the Serua province.
Reama Pareti, a respected educator and alumnus of the school, highlighted the school’s role as a vital source of both modern and traditional knowledge. Speaking to The Sunday Times team at the recent awards ceremony, Pareti reflected on the long-standing connection between Deuba District School and the people of Serua.
Her personal connection to the school is profound; her late grandfather, Ratu Aporosa Toroca, once taught there. She emphasized that the school was established primarily to educate children from nearby villages including Vunibau, Sauniveiuto, Sadro, and Nasavu, along with those from informal settlements.
During her time as a student in the late 1960s, Deuba District School was where many first learned to read and write. She praised the dedication of the educators whose impact has resonated through the generations, contributing significantly to the professional successes of many alumni in diverse fields such as politics, medicine, and education. Notable figures among the school’s alumni include former Minister Joketani Cokanasiga, rugby player Waisea Nayacalevu, and current Minister for Local Government and Housing, Maciu Nalumisa.
Despite being situated in a semi-urban environment, Pareti stressed that the school remains committed to preserving cultural and traditional wisdom. The teachers play a dual role of imparting mainstream knowledge while also nurturing the students’ understanding of their heritage. Pareti noted challenges exist when students transition to urban areas where technology and social media can overshadow traditional teachings, hence the imperative to cultivate a robust foundation in cultural values among students.
Many students at the awards ceremony had backgrounds marked by resilience, often being raised by supportive grandparents or single parents deeply rooted in traditional values. This strong foundation underscores the potential for the school to attract more families interested in cultivating their children’s cultural education.
Looking ahead, there is optimism for expanding and upgrading the school’s facilities, which the alumni association aims to achieve through a five-year development plan including a multi-purpose hall and enhanced literacy programs. Pareti believes that by focusing on reading and comprehension, the next generation will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern life.
Reverend Aisea Rarokoliwa also addressed students, encouraging them to uphold honesty and integrity in an age where these values are often compromised. He shared a personal anecdote emphasizing the importance of these principles, urging students to carry their teachings into society as they grow.
The celebration of Deuba District School’s 118 years not only acknowledges its past but also looks forward to a future filled with opportunity for the students it serves. As it continues to promote a rich blend of modern education and traditional wisdom, the school’s role as a key educational pillar in the community will undoubtedly endure, inspiring hope and progress for many generations to come.
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