On a day marked by brief rain showers and patches of sunshine, former students, educators, pastors, and school officials came together in Salaiba, Navosa, to honor the 100th anniversary of Nelson Palmer SDA Memorial Primary School.
While the Nadroga/Navosa province is often associated with tourism and the renowned Coral Coast, Navosa showcases a more rugged and less developed landscape compared to coastal villages. The best way to experience the area’s beauty is through a bus ride or a guided safari tour along Sigatoka Valley Road. Here, visitors can appreciate fertile riverbanks and a variety of commercial crops that have sustained local communities for generations, earning the region the nickname “Salad Bowl.”
Navosa is characterized by lush green vegetation, flowing rivers, deep gorges, and steep slopes, offering a striking mix of geographical features. The mist-covered mountains in the north lead to Viti Levu’s interior and the Navosa-Ba border. A few kilometers past Keiyasi Village, the government station in Vatumali features a police station, a modern sub-divisional hospital, a high school, and Ronitesh Supermarket and restaurant, where one can grab a quick treat.
From Vatumali, the winding gravel road leads to a local spot known as Natayo, where buses transition from their dusty routes between coast and inland. The Sunday Times team ventured off the main road at Natayo and experienced a real adventure by fording a river, as there was no designated crossing to Salaiba. They opted for the locals’ method, navigating through the shallow section of the river in a 4WD.
Nelson Palmer is located near the Sigatoka River along the older road known as ‘Salaiba’ (road to Ba). The land here is well-irrigated and fertile, making it conducive for farming. Each week, students from Year 1 onward must wade through the river to attend school, sharing this waterway with villagers, vehicles, and animals.
“I remember our days when we would come in our suwai, carrying our metal Billy cans across the river, and then returning to fetch our books and uniforms,” reminisced 72-year-old former student Sereima Donu. “Once everything was across the river, we’d take off our wet suwai, hang them on a fence, and change into our uniforms before entering classrooms made of bamboo and corrugated iron.”
At the school’s entrance stood two large mocemoce trees, used for hanging the Billy cans that preceded today’s lunchboxes. “We walked barefoot and had no bags. We carried our books in our hands or in plastic bags,” noted Sereima. “Attending school was challenging, but we understood the importance of it for our exams, jobs, and to support our community.”
Sereima eventually became a registered nurse, serving in various rural areas. “I owe a lot to Nelson Palmer for providing me with an education and opportunities for employment, enabling me to be a responsible citizen,” she expressed.
Reunion festivities began with Sabbath fellowship, followed by a hearty lunch and an afternoon filled with stories. Former students shared various experiences, from disciplinary measures to the unique mouthwash they endured when caught swearing. Merekeleni Vutevute particularly recalled the Bible classes.
“I returned to Waiyala in 1987 to teach and married a landowner the following year, coming back again in 1993 after cyclone Kina,” he shared. Former teacher Savenaca Ramakosoi emphasized the importance of nurturing children and instilling religious values in them.
The oldest attendee was Lesayani Lewavaro from Vatubalavu, who started at Nelson Palmer before furthering her education at Nasaucoko. She revealed a commemorative plaque alongside SDA Church president, Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa, who represented his father, former student Sakiusa Sugumai, unable to attend due to health issues.
The main celebration day featured a grand feast and a fundraising drive that raised $36,000 for a new classroom block. Head of School Gavidi Taukeimaimuri Jr noted the emotional impact of seeing former students and their families join in the celebrations. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for their contributions, highlighting the funds would aid the completion of a computer lab and library, fostering growth in Adventist Education in Fiji.
Founded in Draiba Village in 1924, Nelson Palmer has developed into a symbol of hope and enlightenment for the people of Navosa, currently hosting six teachers and 132 students.