The newly inaugurated Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm Kindergarten, a $26,000 state-of-the-art facility, aims to be a central hub for early education and play for children in Kavanagasau and nearby communities. This project was made possible through a generous donation from the Tappoo Group of Companies and was officially opened earlier this month.
Located approximately 18 kilometers from Sigatoka Town, the kindergarten complements the primary school, which caters to students from Years One to Eight, as well as a college servicing Years Nine to Thirteen. The head of the school, Jitendra Kumar, welcomed guests warmly during the ceremony and expressed sincere gratitude to the Tappoo Group for their support.
Mr. Kumar emphasized the significant role the new playcentre will have in fostering a nurturing environment for the next generation, pointing out that education must extend beyond the confines of traditional classrooms to areas that encourage creativity and exploratory learning. He described the grand opening of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) playcentre as a pivotal development for enhancing quality education in the Nadroga Navosa education district.
The playcentre is named in honor of the late Tappoo Kanji, a significant figure in the Tappoo family’s history and a pioneer student at the school. During the ceremony, Tappoo Group chairperson Kanti Tappoo shared heartfelt stories about his family’s long-standing connection to the school, which began with his father’s enrollment in 1933. He noted that the playcentre represents not just a donation, but a deep-seated bond with the community and underscores the vital role of early education.
The Tappoo Group’s dedication to the school goes beyond the construction of the playcentre. Last year, they contributed $12,500 worth of Information Technology (IT) equipment to help develop the school’s computer lab. This year’s initiative focuses on improving conditions for the youngest students, demonstrating a continued commitment to the rural institution.
Education Officer for Nadroga Navosa, Janice Nath, praised the Tappoo Group for aligning with the Ministry of Education’s vision of nurturing lifelong learners. She highlighted that the new playcentre would not only benefit local children but also embody the ministry’s dedication to fostering innovative and quality education. She reiterated that early childhood education lays the foundation for future academic success, and the new facility will provide an inviting and supportive environment for students.
The Kavanagasau Kindergarten ECE playcentre is set to significantly impact the lives of its young learners, offering opportunities for social, emotional, and physical growth within a nurturing setting. Thanks to the contributions of the Tappoo Group, the school management committee, and the Ministry of Education, it is expected to become a vital part of the community’s educational landscape. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque that symbolized the collaborative effort behind this achievement and the community’s commitment to giving children the best possible start in their education.
In addition to the kindergarten’s opening, the Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharam Primary School celebrated its second consecutive year of achieving a 100 percent pass rate in the Fiji Eighth Year Examination. Mr. Kumar noted that this success was a result of the hard work and dedication of both teachers and parents. Lice Vuliasi, a diligent student from the Kavanagasau settlement, scored the highest marks. He remarked that the school will continue to strive for excellence, emphasizing the need for strong parental support. Mr. Kumar stated that the school has analyzed the challenges faced in 2023 and is committed to improving its results this year.
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