The Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm Kindergarten, a $26,000 state-of-the-art facility, has officially opened its doors as a center for early learning and play for children in Kavanagasau and neighboring communities. The inauguration of the kindergarten was made possible through a generous donation from the Tappoo Group of Companies.
Situated around 18 kilometers from Sigatoka Town, the kindergarten enhances the educational offerings of the local primary school, which serves students from Years One through Eight, as well as a college program for Years Nine to Thirteen. During the opening ceremony, Head of School Jitendra Kumar warmly welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to the Tappoo Group, underscoring the importance of the play center in nurturing the younger generation. He noted that education goes beyond traditional classrooms, highlighting the need for environments that encourage creativity and exploration.
“This grand opening marks a significant step forward in providing quality education in the Nadroga Navosa education district,” Mr. Kumar stated.
As a testament to the late Tappoo Kanji, a pioneering student of the school and a key figure in the Tappoo family’s legacy, the play center represents not just a donation but a lasting bond between the family and the community. Kanti Tappoo, chairperson of the Tappoo Group, shared the emotional history of his family’s connection to the school, which dates back to his father’s enrollment in 1933.
“This play center symbolizes our family’s commitment to this community and highlights the significance of early education,” Mr. Tappoo remarked. The Tappoo Group’s involvement with the school has a history, including a $12,500 donation of IT equipment last year to establish a computer lab. This year, their efforts are focused on improving the learning environment for the youngest students.
Janice Nath, Education Officer for Nadroga Navosa, praised the Tappoo Group for their shared vision of fostering lifelong learning. She stated, “The playcenter will not only benefit the children of Kavanagasau but also reflect the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting innovation and quality education. Early childhood education serves as the foundation for future learning, and this facility will provide a supportive and friendly environment.”
The Kavanagasau Kindergarten is expected to significantly influence the lives of its young learners, offering them opportunities for social, emotional, and physical development. Supported by the Tappoo Group, the school management committee, and the Ministry of Education, the center aims to be a foundational element of community education.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, symbolizing the collaborative effort behind this achievement and the community’s commitment to giving children the best start possible.
In addition, Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharam Primary School celebrated a remarkable achievement, having achieved a 100 percent pass rate in the Fiji Eighth Year Examination for the second consecutive year. Mr. Kumar attributed this success to the teamwork of dedicated teachers and parents. Lice Vuliasi, a diligent student from Kavanagasau settlement, earned the highest marks, underscoring the school’s commitment to continued excellence with the support of parents. Mr. Kumar mentioned that they are addressing the challenges from 2023 to maintain high-quality results this year.
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