Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Michii Rokuichiro, encouraged students at Dreketi Central College (DCC) in Macuata on Friday to embrace learning and strive for academic excellence. He made these remarks during a ceremony for the handover of three newly built classrooms, funded by the Japanese Government.
The funding of FJD 333,784 was allocated through the Japanese Government Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program. Ambassador Rokuichiro stated that the new classrooms symbolize a significant opportunity for educational advancement. In addition to the classrooms, the college received three tables and chairs for teachers, along with 120 new desks and chairs for students.
He urged students to take responsibility for the resources provided and to use them effectively. “We have a strong bilateral relationship with Fiji, and we are committed to enhancing the educational sector,” he noted.
Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, expressed pride in witnessing the development of quality school infrastructure at his former school, highlighting the positive impact the new classrooms will have on all students attending the college.
School manager Savenaca Vakacego mentioned his continuous efforts to ensure the construction of new cyclone-resilient classrooms and acknowledged that the funding from the Japanese government arrived at a crucial time. “Your assistance will never be forgotten by our community, students, teachers, and parents,” he stated.
Mr. Vakacego noted that patience was required from the project’s conception until it drew attention from the Japanese government. The school currently serves a population of 364 students from Years 9 to 13 and operates a technical college as well.