Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Michii Rokuichiro, encouraged students at Dreketi Central College (DCC) in Macuata to embrace education and strive for academic success during a visit on Friday. He was joined by Coalition Government assistant ministers and the Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, at the handover ceremony for three newly built classrooms funded by the Japanese Government.
The funding, totaling $333,784, was made available through the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) initiative. Ambassador Rokuichiro emphasized that the new classrooms symbolize a pathway to knowledge and educational advancement. In addition to the construction, the college received three tables and chairs for teachers, along with 120 new desks and chairs for students.
Mr. Rokuichiro encouraged students to take responsibility for the resources provided and make the most of them. He highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Japan and Fiji, particularly in the field of education, which Japan consistently supports.
Minister Prasad expressed pride in seeing his former school benefit from improved infrastructure. He acknowledged the ambassador’s contributions and noted that the new classrooms would significantly benefit all students at the college.
School manager Savenaca Vakacego shared his determination to ensure the construction of cyclone-resistant classrooms. Having served as manager for the past seven years, he expressed gratitude for the timely support from the Japanese government.
“Your assistance will never be forgotten by our community, students, teachers, and parents,” Mr. Vakacego remarked. He noted the patience required from the inception of the project to its realization. The school’s roll includes 364 students from Years 9 to 13, and a technical college is also in operation.