Students at Namuka District School in Macuata are witnessing a new era of educational opportunities with the recent inauguration of three classrooms funded by the Japanese government. This project, valued at $292,808, is designed to improve educational facilities in Namuka, replacing old and deteriorating buildings.
Japanese Ambassador to Fiji Michii Rokuichiro visited the school and the local community to officially hand over the new classroom blocks, part of the Grants of Grassroots Programme (GGP). During his visit, he emphasized the importance of education as a key tool for societal development and urged students to take responsibility for the upkeep of their new facilities.
“This classroom can be used to motivate you (students) to make the most of your academic journey,” Mr. Rokuichiro stated.
Tevita Masiwini, the head of the school, noted that the new building will foster a better learning environment for students. Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its commitment to educational support during the handover ceremony.
Misiwini also mentioned that the construction of the new classroom blocks would help address students’ feelings of being disadvantaged in terms of infrastructure compared to their peers in urban areas. He added that the provision of new desks and chairs would encourage students to remain focused on their studies, potentially reversing the decline in school enrollment seen in recent years.