Nabala Secondary School, the sole institution with a drum band in the Northern Division, has finally upgraded its musical equipment after 16 years. The improvement comes thanks to an $8,000 donation from the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North committee, which includes four single drums, one brass drum, and a set of four tenor drums.
Principal Epi Raikivi expressed his excitement and gratitude on behalf of the 14-member band, made up of hostel students from Years Nine to 13, who hail from 11 different villages. Mr. Raikivi recalled that the Fiji Police Force had previously donated a drum set to the school in 2008, which has since been repaired and reused.
He also recognized Master Seru Tuidravutu, a member of the band since 2012, for his efforts in seeking assistance from the festival committee. The band has participated in the festival entertainment group for the past five years. Although the teacher recently resigned, his leadership played a key role in securing the necessary equipment.
Nabala Secondary School is located about 33 kilometers from Labasa Town. The band, dressed in light blue and navy blue uniforms, regularly performs at events supporting other schools and organizations in the community.
Zaheen Ibrahim, president of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North Committee, emphasized the festival’s commitment to music education and community development. She noted that the festival had previously donated $5,000 worth of equipment last year, with an additional $3,000 in the latest donation, reflecting their ongoing commitment to supporting music education.