The newly inaugurated Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm Kindergarten, a $26,000 state-of-the-art facility, aims to be a focal point for early learning and play for children in Kavanagasau and nearby communities. The kindergarten, which opened earlier this month, was made possible by a generous donation from the Tappoo Group of Companies.
Located approximately 18 kilometers from Sigatoka Town, this facility is set to enhance the educational journey of students, as it will serve not only as a kindergarten but will also support primary schooling from Years One to Eight and secondary education from Years Nine to Thirteen.
At the opening ceremony, Head of School Jitendra Kumar welcomed attendees and expressed sincere thanks to the Tappoo Group, recognizing the importance of the playcentre in shaping the future of young learners. He emphasized that education extends beyond traditional classrooms into inspiring spaces that encourage creativity and discovery.
Mr. Kumar stated, “The grand opening of this Early Childhood Education (ECE) playcentre signifies a significant advancement in fostering quality education within the Nadroga Navosa education district.”
The playcentre honors the late Tappoo Kanji, a key student at the school and a critical figure in the legacy of the Tappoo family. During the ceremony, Kanti Tappoo, chairperson of the Tappoo Group, shared a heartfelt story about his family’s long-standing connection with the school, which dates back to his father’s enrollment in 1933.
“This playcentre represents not just a donation but also symbolizes our family’s bond with the community and underscores the vital nature of early education,” Mr. Tappoo commented.
The Tappoo Group’s support for the school extends beyond the kindergarten project, having donated $12,500 worth of IT equipment for the development of a computer lab last year. This year’s initiative aims to further improve the learning environment for the youngest students, solidifying their ongoing commitment to the rural school.
Janice Nath, the Education Officer for Nadroga Navosa, commended the Tappoo Group for their dedication to nurturing lifelong learners. “The playcentre will not only be beneficial for children in Kavanagasau but also exemplifies the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting innovation and quality education,” she remarked. “Early childhood education forms the foundation for future learning, and this facility offers a supportive and engaging environment for students.”
The Kavanagasau Kindergarten ECE playcentre is set to significantly impact the development of its young students, providing them with opportunities for social, emotional, and physical growth in a nurturing environment. With backing from the Tappoo Group, the school management committee, and the Ministry of Education, the playcentre is expected to become an essential part of the community’s educational landscape.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, symbolizing the collaborative effort behind this milestone and the community’s commitment to ensuring a strong start for its children.
In a related achievement, Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharam Primary School has celebrated a consecutive 100 percent pass rate in last year’s Fiji Eighth Year Examination. Mr. Kumar noted that this success was also attained in 2022, attributing it to the dedication and teamwork of both teachers and parents. Lice Vuliasi, a diligent student from the Kavanagasau settlement, achieved the highest marks. He expressed determination for continued hard work, emphasizing the importance of parental support. Looking ahead, Mr. Kumar mentioned that the school has identified areas for improvement based on the experiences from 2023 to achieve quality results again this year.
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