Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Michii Rokuichiro, addressed students at Dreketi Central College in Macuata on Friday, encouraging them to embrace education and strive for academic excellence. The ambassador was joined by Coalition Government assistant ministers, including Finance Minister Biman Prasad, during a ceremony to officially hand over three newly built classrooms funded by the Japanese Government.
The Japanese Government provided a grant of $333,784 through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program to support the construction. Ambassador Rokuichiro emphasized that the new classrooms symbolize a gateway to knowledge and educational advancement. In addition to funding the construction, the project also supplied three teacher tables and chairs, as well as 120 desks and chairs for students.
He urged students to take ownership of the resources available to them and to use them wisely. “We have a strong bilateral relationship with Fiji, and we are committed to enhancing the education sector,” he stated.
Minister Prasad expressed pride in seeing his former school benefit from quality infrastructure and acknowledged the ambassador’s contributions. He noted that these classroom developments would significantly benefit all students at the college.
Savenaca Vakacego, the school’s manager who has served in this role for seven years, reflected on his determination to ensure the construction of cyclone-resilient classrooms. He expressed gratitude for the timely support from the Japanese government. “Your assistance will never be forgotten by our community, students, teachers, and parents,” he remarked.
Mr. Vakacego also noted that patience was essential from the inception of the project until its realization. The school currently has an enrollment of 364 students in Years 9-13, and it also operates a technical college.