Nabala Secondary School, which is the only institution in the Northern Division with a drum band, has received a long-awaited upgrade to its musical instruments after 16 years. The school was granted an $8,000 donation, which encompasses four single drums, one brass drum, and a set of four tenor drums, courtesy of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North committee.
Principal Epi Raikivi shared his excitement and gratitude on behalf of the 14-member band, consisting of hostel students in Years Nine to 13 from 11 different villages. He noted that the Fiji Police Force had previously donated a drum set to the school in 2008, which they had been continually repairing and using since then.
Raikivi also recognized Master Seru Tuidravutu’s contributions, who has been with the band since 2012 and played a vital role in reaching out to the festival committee for support. He mentioned that the band has been involved with festival entertainment for five years, and though the teacher resigned earlier this year, his leadership was crucial in obtaining the new equipment.
Located about 33 kilometers from Labasa Town, Nabala’s band, dressed in light blue and navy blue uniforms, often performs at various 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 reaffirmed their commitment by announcing that last year they had provided $5,000 worth of equipment, and this latest donation adds an additional $3,000 as part of their ongoing support.