The arrival of a fiber boat and engine may appear minor to some, but for the students, parents, and teachers at Navesi Primary School in Udu Village, Totoya, Lau, it holds great significance.
This milestone was achieved when the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, visited Yasayasa Moala to engage with local schools, accompanied by representatives from various ministries.
Notably, Mr. Radrodro is the first Education Minister to visit Totoya in more than half a century.
Head teacher Seru Luvu expressed his emotions regarding the impact of the boat on the school. “This is long overdue. We have requested it for quite some time, and finally receiving it brings an emotional response. We will no longer need to rely on others for a boat to take students to the health center,” Mr. Luvu stated.
He recounted past experiences when seeking the use of boats, where requests were often met with harsh responses or suggestions that only free boats could be used. “Today will be a day we will always remember because we will no longer face embarrassment in the future,” he added.
Mr. Luvu assured that the school would maintain the boat in excellent condition to ensure its longevity, noting that life jackets for students have also been provided.
Mr. Radrodro emphasized the importance of proper maintenance and urged Mr. Luvu to ensure that only a licensed boat driver operates the vessel, stressing that it should be used for its intended purpose.