For the last four years, students at Nailagobokala Primary School in the highlands of Naitasiri have encountered a perilous route to their school. Following the destruction of an old culvert on their access road, these young students had to resort to using bamboo rafts to cross the river, dealing with water levels that were sometimes as low as ankle-deep and at other times reaching their knees.
Concerned about the daily hazards their children faced, the villagers of Nadovu decided to take action. Despite numerous requests for assistance from the government, Ratu Solomoni Naiqua, the school manager, reported that the authorities had not responded.
“For the past five years, we’ve witnessed the daily risks our children endure while crossing the river to reach school,” Mr. Naiqua stated.
Refusing to be discouraged by the lack of support from officials, the villagers and the school committee initiated a fundraising campaign to construct a new bridge. This effort, fueled by the parents’ determination to secure safe and dependable access for their kids, united the community in a remarkable show of solidarity.
Over the past three months, the villagers, along with the Parents-Teachers Association, worked diligently to raise $9,000. Their collaborative efforts were successful, leading to the establishment of a new bridge that would enhance the safety of students during their daily travels.
“I genuinely appreciate the commitment of the parents,” Mr. Naiqua remarked, expressing his gratitude. “It exemplifies the extraordinary impact that a community can achieve with limited resources.”
The new bridge was officially inaugurated last Friday.