At All Saints Secondary School in Labasa, the new head students, Miriama Watikili and Mesake Cokanauto, have expressed profound gratitude to their teachers for their recent appointments. Hailing from humble backgrounds as children of farmers, both students were taken by surprise by their induction into leadership roles.
Mesake, who is inspired to become a police officer, shared his journey, stating, “I wasn’t a prefect last year, but I have always lived a disciplined life and assisted teachers whenever needed.” He aims to support his family financially and aspire to follow in the footsteps of his uncle. His faith has guided him, as he considers this role a realization of his childhood dream of becoming head boy.
Miriama, a Year 13 student driven by her ambition to become a secondary school teacher, recognizes the challenges of managing 485 students, ranging from Years 9 to 13. In her words, “Managing 485 students from Years nine to 13 won’t be easy, but I will work closely with the student council, which has 90 prefects, to uphold school standards and improve academic results.” Miriama also extended her appreciation to her family, particularly her parents and six siblings, for their unwavering support and motivation.
This story resonates with similar narratives of resilience found among students in Fiji, as seen in other recent prefect induction ceremonies. In a related event, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro commended the significance of leadership roles and emphasized the responsibilities that come with such positions, including setting positive examples for peers amid challenges like peer pressure and bullying.
Amid these successes, the contributions of these young leaders, inspired by their backgrounds and support systems, serve as a beacon of hope for their communities. Their stories illustrate that despite coming from modest beginnings, ambition, coupled with dedication and community support, weaves a bright future for Fiji’s youth.
Together, the efforts of Miriama and Mesake spotlight the vital role of student leadership in promoting a supportive and thriving educational environment, reminding us of the potential inherent in every young person to effect positive change.
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