At All Saints Secondary School in Labasa, the recent appointments of head students Miriama Watikili and Mesake Cokanauto have sparked a wave of gratitude towards their teachers and a renewed sense of ambition among their peers. Both students, who come from humble farming backgrounds, expressed surprise and excitement at their new leadership roles.
Mesake, who aspires to become a police officer, reflected on his disciplined life and willingness to assist teachers, despite not being a prefect the previous year. He sees this appointment as a step towards achieving his childhood dream of becoming head boy. His commitment extends beyond personal ambition as he aims to support his family financially and honor the legacy of his uncle.
Miriama, now in Year 13 and with aspirations to become a secondary school teacher, acknowledges the challenge of managing a diverse student body of 485 students from Years 9 to 13. She is determined to collaborate with the student council, which comprises 90 prefects, to uphold school standards and enhance academic performance. Miriama credited her family’s unwavering support, particularly that of her parents and six siblings, for motivating her throughout her journey.
These narratives of resilience echo similar themes observed in other recent prefect induction ceremonies across Fiji. During one such event, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro highlighted the importance of leadership roles in schools and the responsibility they carry in setting positive examples for their peers while navigating challenges like peer pressure and bullying.
The inspiring stories of Miriama and Mesake serve as a beacon of hope for their community and illustrate that, regardless of humble beginnings, ambition combined with dedication and support from family and mentors can pave the way for a brighter future for Fiji’s youth. Their experiences remind us of the powerful impact student leadership can have in fostering a supportive educational environment.
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