Adran Kumar is thankful for his mother’s encouragement to participate in the New Zealand-Fiji Secondary School Essay Competition 2024. The Year 12 student from Sabeto College in Nadi emerged as the supreme winner of the 16th edition of the competition.
At just 17 years old, Adran was one of two students recognized from the Western Division for his exceptional essay. He initially struggled with self-doubt, expressing to his parents that he was unable to continue after becoming frustrated halfway through his writing. He felt overwhelmed by the thought of competing against many talented peers across the country and feared his efforts might not yield success.
However, his mother’s persistent support motivated him to persevere. “I am grateful I listened to my mother,” he stated.
The competition saw participation from over 100 secondary schools with a total of 600 essays submitted, focusing on the theme of the Pacific Way, which emphasizes the unique approaches within the Pacific region.
Adran expressed gratitude towards his teachers, acknowledging their role in his achievement. His essay centered on eco-tourism and the importance of preserving vanua, or land. “I believe eco-tourism showcases who we are in the Pacific and globally, while helping to maintain Fijian culture, tradition, and the environment,” he explained.
With aspirations to study medicine, Adran was awarded $500 in cash, a laptop, and a certificate of recognition. One of the judges, Dr. Satendra Singh, highlighted the impressive quality of writing displayed in the submissions. “An effective essay not only captivates but resonates with its readers,” he remarked.
Deputy High Commissioner of the New Zealand High Commission, Alex Shahryar-Davies, expressed pride in supporting the essay competition for 16 years, calling it a valuable opportunity for students in Fiji to engage in thoughtful and informative writing. He stated, “This competition fosters a platform for New Zealand and Fiji to exchange ideas for the benefit of our communities.”
Recognition certificates were also awarded to Shresti Devi (Year 11), Kristina Kavita (Year 13), Shakshi Chand (Year 13), and Nitish Chand (Year 13).