Nabala Secondary School, the sole institution with a drum band in the Northern Division, has finally received an upgrade to its musical instruments after 16 years.
The school benefited from 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 enthusiasm and gratitude on behalf of the 14-member band, which consists of hostel students from Years Nine to 13 representing 11 villages. He noted that since receiving a drum set from the Fiji Police Force in 2008, the school has continuously repaired and reused the old equipment.
Mr. Raikivi also credited Master Seru Tuidravutu for his efforts in securing assistance from the festival committee. The band has been part of the festival’s entertainment for the past five years. Although the band’s teacher resigned earlier this year, his leadership played a significant role in obtaining the new equipment.
The school is situated about 33 kilometers from Labasa Town, and the band, clad in light blue and navy blue uniforms, regularly performs for other schools, organizations, and community events.
Zaheen Ibrahim, president of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North Committee, emphasized the festival’s dedication to community development and music education. She pointed out that this donation represents their long-term commitment, having previously provided $5,000 worth of equipment last year, along with an additional $3,000 in the latest contribution.