Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Michii Rokuichiro, encouraged students at Dreketi Central College in Macuata on Friday to embrace their educational opportunities and strive for academic growth. He spoke during the handover ceremony for three newly built classrooms funded by the Japanese Government.
The funding, amounting to $333,784, was provided through the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme. Ambassador Rokuichiro highlighted that the new classrooms symbolize a pathway to knowledge and educational advancement. Alongside the funding for the construction, the college also received three tables and chairs for teachers, as well as 120 new desks and chairs for students.
The ambassador urged students to take responsibility for the resources given to them and make good use of them. “We have a strong bilateral relationship with Fiji, and we always aim to enhance the educational sector,” he stated.
Finance Minister Biman Prasad expressed his pride at seeing quality school infrastructure developed at his former school and commended the ambassador for his support. He emphasized that the new classrooms would significantly benefit all students at the college.
School manager Savenaca Vakacego shared his determination to ensure the construction of new cyclone-resilient classrooms. Having served as school manager for the last seven years, he noted that the Japanese government’s funding came at a crucial time.
“Your assistance will always be remembered by our community, students, teachers, and parents,” Vakacego remarked. He acknowledged that patience was essential throughout the process, from the initial project planning to bringing it to the Japanese Government’s attention. Currently, the school has 364 students enrolled from Years 9 to 13, and there is also an operational technical college.