In a day marked by rain and sunshine, alumni, teachers, pastors, and school administrators of Nelson Palmer SDA Memorial Primary School convened in Salaiba, Navosa, to commemorate the school’s centenary. The Nadroga/Navosa province, well-known for its tourist attractions along the Coral Coast, remains less developed than its coastal counterparts.
Exploring Navosa is best done via a bus ride or guided safari along Sigatoka Valley Road, where visitors can admire lush riverbanks and diverse crops that have sustained local families for generations, earning the area its nickname, “Salad Bowl.” The region features abundant greenery, flowing rivers, steep valleys, and rough terrain, creating striking contrasts in its landscape.
Traveling further, one encounters Vatumali, which hosts a police station, a modern sub-divisional hospital, a high school, and Ronitesh Supermarket and Restaurant. During a quick stop, one can enjoy ice cream and fresh bread. Continuing from Vatumali, the rough gravel road leads towards Natayo, a local landmark where buses transition from the coast to the interior.
The Sunday Times team chose to take an alternate route from Natayo, creating an unforgettable adventure as they crossed a river, mimicking the locals by traversing the shallowest section in a 4WD vehicle. Nelson Palmer is located by the Sigatoka River along the old ‘Salaiba’ road, where the fertile land is well-watered and perfectly suited for farming.
Every weekday, students from Nelson Palmer, starting as young as Year 1, wade across the river to attend school, sharing this route with local villagers, vehicles, and horses. Former student Sereima Donu, now 72, recounted how she and her classmates used to carry metal containers across the river before returning to fetch their books and uniforms. After getting everything to the other side, they would change into their proper school attire.
At the school entrance stood two imposing mocemoce trees used by students to hang their containers, a reminder of simpler times. Sereima shared that students walked barefoot without proper bags, carrying their books in their hands or in plastic. Despite the challenges they faced, they were determined to excel in their studies to secure a better future.
Sereima later became a registered nurse, dedicating herself to serving rural regions. She expressed gratitude that Nelson Palmer provided her with an education and a pathway to a fulfilling life. Last Saturday, attendees gathered for Sabbath fellowship, enjoying a generous lunch and sharing stories filled with nostalgia about their school days.
Ex-alumni reminisced about their schooling, the discipline from teachers, and the memorable Bible classes. Merekeleni Vutevute reflected on his return to the school to teach in 1987. Former teacher Savenaca Ramakosoi emphasized the importance of nurturing children’s spirituality, reminding attendees that children are gifts and should be guided toward righteous living.
Lesayani Lewavaro, the oldest alumna present, unveiled a commemorative plaque alongside Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa, who represented his father, Sakiusa Sugumai, unable to attend due to health issues. The primary celebration took place the following Sunday with a grand feast and a successful fundraising initiative that raised $36,000 to support the construction of a new classroom.
Gavidi Taukeimaimuri Jr, the school’s head, expressed gratitude for the participation of alumni, saying their contributions throughout the years have been invaluable. The funds will aid in completing a newly built computer lab and library. The school, which started in Draiba Village in 1924, has grown to become a beacon of hope and education for the people of Navosa, currently serving 132 students with six teachers.