Nabala Secondary School, the sole institution in the Northern Division with a drum band, has finally upgraded its musical equipment after a 16-year wait. The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North committee contributed $8,000 for the new equipment, which includes four single drums, one brass drum, and a set of four tenor drums.
Principal Epi Raikivi expressed his joy and gratitude on behalf of the 14-member band, which consists of hostel students from Years Nine to 13, representing 11 villages. “In 2008, the Fiji Police Force donated their drum set to our school, and since then, we have been repairing and reusing it,” Mr. Raikivi stated.
He also commended Master Seru Tuidravutu, who has been with the band since 2012 and worked to gain support from the festival committee. “The band has been part of the festival entertainment for five years,” he added. Although Tuidravutu resigned earlier this year, his leadership was crucial in obtaining the essential equipment.
Located about 33 kilometers from Labasa Town, the band, clad in light blue and navy blue uniforms, regularly performs at various schools, organizations, and community events. Zaheen Ibrahim, president of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North Committee, emphasized the festival’s dedication to community and music education.
“This donation highlights our commitment to community development, skill enhancement, and the support of music education,” Ms. Ibrahim remarked. She mentioned that the festival had previously contributed $5,000 worth of equipment last year, along with an additional $3,000 in their latest contribution, affirming their long-term commitment to the school.