Nabala Secondary School, the sole institution with a drum band in the Northern Division, has finally upgraded its musical equipment after a wait of 16 years.
The upgrade was made possible through an $8,000 donation from the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North committee, which included 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, which consists of hostel students from Years Nine to 13, representing 11 villages. Raikivi noted that in 2008, the Fiji Police Force donated a drum set to the school, and since then, they had been making repairs to keep it functional.
He also acknowledged Master Seru Tuidravutu, who has been part of the band since 2012 and played a key role in seeking assistance from the festival committee. The band has been a contributing part of the festival’s entertainment lineup for five years. Despite the recent resignation of their teacher, his leadership had been vital in securing the essential equipment.
Located approximately 33 kilometers from Labasa Town, the band, which dons light blue and navy uniforms, often performs to support other schools, organizations, and community events.
Zaheen Ibrahim, president of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North Committee, emphasized the festival’s commitment to community and music education. She remarked, “This donation underscores our dedication to community development, skill enhancement, and support for music education,” adding that the festival had previously contributed $5,000 worth of equipment last year and an additional $3,000 in this latest donation as part of their long-standing commitment.