Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Michii Rokuichiro, encouraged students at Dreketi Central College (DCC) in Macuata on Friday to embrace their educational journey and strive for academic success. His remarks were made during the handover ceremony for three new 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) program. Mr. Rokuichiro stated that the new classrooms symbolize a pathway to knowledge and opportunities for educational advancement. In addition to the classrooms, the college received three new tables and chairs for teachers, as well as 120 desks and chairs for students.
He urged the students to take responsibility for the resources provided and use them effectively. “Our relationship with Fiji is strong, and we are committed to enhancing educational support in this region,” he noted.
Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, who attended the ceremony, expressed pride in witnessing the development of high-quality infrastructure at his former school. He acknowledged the ambassador’s contributions and emphasized that these new classrooms would greatly benefit all students at the college.
School manager Savenaca Vakacego shared his determination to ensure the construction of new cyclone-resistant classrooms, highlighting the timeliness of the funds from the Japanese government. “Your assistance will never be forgotten by our community, students, teachers, and parents,” he remarked.
Mr. Vakacego noted that patience was crucial from the project’s inception until it gained the attention of the Japanese Government. The school serves 364 students from Years 9 to 13, alongside an operational technical college.