The Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm Kindergarten, a state-of-the-art facility valued at $26,000, has been officially opened to serve as a center for early learning and play for children in Kavanagasau and surrounding areas. The kindergarten was made possible through a generous donation from the Tappoo Group of Companies, with the opening taking place earlier this month.
Situated approximately 18 kilometers from Sigatoka Town, this new facility will complement the existing school that accommodates students from primary Years One to Eight, as well as College students from Years Nine to 13. Head of the school, Jitendra Kumar, warmly welcomed attendees and expressed profound gratitude to the Tappoo Group for their significant contribution.
Kumar emphasized the importance of the play center in fostering the next generation, stating that education transcends traditional classroom settings and includes environments that promote creativity and exploration. “The grand opening of this Early Childhood Education (ECE) play center marks a key development in providing quality education within the Nadroga Navosa education district,” Mr. Kumar remarked.
This play center stands as a tribute to the late Tappoo Kanji, a pioneering student of the school and a key figure in the legacy of the Tappoo family. During the opening ceremony, Kanti Tappoo, chairperson of the Tappoo Group, shared an emotional reflection on his family’s longstanding connection to the school, dating back to his father’s enrollment in 1933.
He noted, “This play center is not just a donation—it symbolizes our family’s bond with this community and underscores the importance of early education.” The Tappoo Group’s support for the school has been ongoing, as demonstrated by last year’s donation of $12,500 in Information Technology equipment to enhance the school’s computer lab. This year, the focus is on improving the learning environment for the youngest students, further solidifying the group’s support for the rural school.
Janice Nath, Education Officer for Nadroga Navosa, echoed similar sentiments, commending the Tappoo Group for its shared vision of cultivating lifelong learners. She mentioned that the play center will benefit not only the children of Kavanagasau but also reflect the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting innovation and quality education. “Early childhood education is crucial for future learning, and this facility will provide an encouraging and student-friendly environment,” Nath added.
The Kavanagasau Kindergarten ECE play center is expected to significantly impact the lives of its young students, offering them opportunities for social, emotional, and physical growth within a nurturing setting. With continued support from the Tappoo Group, the school management committee, and the Ministry of Education, the play center is set to become a vital part of community education.
The formal event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, representing the cooperative efforts behind this project and the community’s commitment to ensuring children have the best start in their educational journey.
Additionally, the Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm Primary School proudly achieved a 100 percent pass rate in last year’s Fiji Eighth Year Examination, marking a remarkable two consecutive years of success. Kumar credited this achievement to the dedication of teachers and parents collaborating effectively. Lice Vuliasi, a diligent student from the Kavanagasau settlement, attained the highest mark in the examination, emphasizing the need for continued strong support from parents. Kumar also noted that the school is actively addressing any weaknesses identified in 2023 to ensure they achieve quality results once again this year.
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