Nabala Secondary School, the sole institution with a drum band in the Northern Division, has finally upgraded its musical equipment after a 16-year wait. The donation, amounting to $8,000, includes 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 expressed his excitement and gratitude on behalf of the 14-band members, who are hostel students from Years Nine to 13 hailing from 11 different villages. He noted that in 2008, the Fiji Police Force had donated a drum set to the school, which has been in use since then, albeit with repairs and maintenance.
Mr. Raikivi also recognized Master Seru Tuidravutu’s efforts, who has been with the band since 2012 and spearheaded the request for assistance from the festival committee. The band has been a regular participant in the festival’s entertainment lineup for the past five years. Although Tuidravutu resigned earlier this year, his leadership played a significant role in obtaining the new equipment.
Nabala Secondary School is located roughly 33 kilometers from Labasa Town. The band, dressed in light blue and navy blue uniforms, often provides musical support for various schools, organizations, and community events.
Zaheen Ibrahim, president of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North Committee, emphasized the festival’s commitment to music education and community development. She stated that this donation reflects their dedication to enhancing skills and supporting music education. Ibrahim added that the festival had previously contributed $5,000 worth of equipment last year and an additional $3,000 in the latest donation as part of their long-term commitment.