The newly opened Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm Kindergarten, a $26,000 cutting-edge facility, aims to be a central hub for early learning and play for children in Kavanagasau and surrounding areas. This project was made possible through a generous donation from the Tappoo Group of Companies and was officially inaugurated earlier this month.
Situated approximately 18 kilometers from Sigatoka Town, the kindergarten joins the existing primary school that caters to students from Years One to Eight and a college for Years Nine to Thirteen. Jitendra Kumar, the head of the school, welcomed attendees at the ceremony and expressed sincere appreciation for the Tappoo Group’s support.
Kumar emphasized the essential role this playcentre will have in fostering the next generation, noting that education extends beyond traditional classrooms to include environments that inspire creativity and exploration. “The grand opening of this Early Childhood Education (ECE) playcentre marks a significant advancement in enhancing education quality within the Nadroga Navosa education district,” he stated.
The playcentre also honors the late Tappoo Kanji, a pioneer student of the school and a key figure in the legacy of the Tappoo family. Kanti Tappoo, the chairperson of the Tappoo Group, shared a touching account of his family’s long-standing connection to the school, which dates back to his father’s enrollment in 1933.
“This playcentre is not merely a donation; it symbolizes our family’s bond with this community and underscores the critical importance of early education,” said Mr. Tappoo. The Tappoo Group’s support for the school goes beyond this project; last year, they contributed $12,500 in Information Technology (IT) equipment for the development of the school’s computer lab. This year, they focused on improving the educational environment for younger students, reinforcing their commitment to the rural school.
Janice Nath, the Education Officer for Nadroga Navosa, praised the Tappoo Group for their vision in nurturing lifelong learners. “The playcentre will not only benefit the children of Kavanagasau but will also reflect the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting innovation and quality education,” she remarked. “Early childhood education lays the foundation for future learning, and this facility will create a supportive and engaging environment for students.”
The Kavanagasau Kindergarten ECE playcentre is set to have a transformative impact on its young learners, providing them with opportunities for social, emotional, and physical growth in a nurturing atmosphere. With backing from the Tappoo Group, the school management committee, and the Ministry of Education, this playcentre is poised to become a cornerstone of educational development in the community.
The opening event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, reflecting the collaborative efforts behind this achievement and the community’s shared commitment to offering a solid start for children.
In addition to the kindergarten launch, Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharam Primary School celebrated a significant achievement with a 100 percent pass rate in last year’s Fiji Eighth Year Examination, marking the second consecutive year of this success. Mr. Kumar highlighted the achievement, crediting the dedication of both teachers and parents.
Outstanding student Lice Vuliasi, from the Kavanagasau settlement, attained the highest mark. Emphasizing the importance of continued support from parents, Mr. Kumar expressed commitment to addressing weaknesses identified in 2023 to maintain high academic performance in the coming year.
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