Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Michii Rokuichiro, urged students at Dreketi Central College (DCC) in Macuata on Friday to embrace their education and strive for academic growth. His remarks came during a ceremony for the handover of three newly constructed classrooms funded by the Japanese Government.
The project, financed through the Japanese Government Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program, had a budget of $333,784. According to Mr. Rokuichiro, the new classrooms symbolize a gateway to knowledge and educational advancement. In addition to the classrooms, the college received three tables and chairs for teachers along with 120 new desks and chairs for students.
The ambassador encouraged students to take ownership of the new resources and use them effectively. “We have a strong bilateral relationship with Fiji, and education is an area where we consistently offer our support,” he stated.
Minister for Finance Biman Prasad expressed pride in seeing his former school benefit from quality infrastructure. He thanked the ambassador, emphasizing that the new classrooms would enhance the educational experience for all students.
School manager Savenaca Vakacego highlighted his commitment to ensuring the construction of cyclone-resilient classrooms. With seven years in the role, he noted that the funding from the Japanese government came at a crucial time. “Your assistance will never be forgotten by our vanua, students, teachers, and parents,” Mr. Vakacego said.
He shared that the project required patience from the initial planning stages until it received attention from the Japanese Government. Currently, DCC has a school enrollment of 364 students from Years 9 to 13, and a technical college is also in operation.