Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Michii Rokuichiro, encouraged students at Dreketi Central College (DCC) in Macuata to embrace educational opportunities during a visit on Friday. The ambassador’s remarks came during a handover ceremony for three newly constructed classrooms funded by the Japanese Government.
The project, which cost $333,784, was financed through the Japanese Government Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme. Mr. Rokuichiro described the new classrooms as a gateway to knowledge and academic growth. In addition to the classrooms, the school received three teacher tables and chairs, along with 120 desks and chairs for students.
He advised the students to take full advantage of the resources provided to them. “We have a strong bilateral relationship with Fiji, and we are committed to enhancing education in this area,” he stated.
Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, who attended the event, expressed pride in seeing his former school benefit from quality infrastructure. He acknowledged the ambassador’s support and emphasized that the new classrooms would greatly benefit all students at the college.
School manager Savenaca Vakacego, who has led the institution for seven years, reflected on his determination to construct new cyclone-resilient classrooms. He noted that the Japanese government’s funding came at a crucial time, expressing gratitude on behalf of the community, students, teachers, and parents. Mr. Vakacego highlighted the patience required throughout the project, which now supports a school roll of 364 for Years 9-13, alongside a technical college that is operational.