Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Michii Rokuichiro, addressed students at Dreketi Central College in Macuata on Friday, encouraging them to embrace education as a pathway to growth. He was joined by Coalition Government assistant ministers and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, during a ceremony marking the handover of three newly built classrooms, which were funded by the Japanese Government.
The investment, amounting to $333,784, was part of the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program. Ambassador Rokuichiro emphasized that these new classrooms symbolize a gateway to educational development. In addition to funding the construction, the project also provided three tables and chairs for teachers, as well as 120 desks and chairs for students.
In his speech, Mr. Rokuichiro urged students to take responsibility for the resources given to them and to use them wisely. He highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Japan and Fiji, particularly in the field of education.
Minister Prasad expressed pride in witnessing improvements at his former school, acknowledging the ambassador’s support and stating that the new classrooms would significantly benefit all students at the college.
School manager Savenaca Vakacego expressed his long-term commitment to ensuring the construction of cyclone-resistant classrooms. Having managed the school for the past seven years, he noted that the Japanese government’s timely funding was crucial.
Mr. Vakacego concluded by stating that the assistance from Japan would always be remembered by the local community, students, teachers, and parents. He reflected on the patience needed throughout the project, noting that the school currently enrolls 364 students from Years 9 to 13, alongside an operational technical college.