Miriama Dravikula, a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Delaivula Kindergarten in Nadroga, embodies the essence of nurturing and adaptability that defines the kindergarten experience. Over her nine years of teaching, Dravikula has found joy and fulfillment in shaping young minds filled with innocence, laughter, and trust.
As the eldest daughter of a pastor, Dravikula’s upbringing required her to move frequently due to her parents’ roles as Salvation Army officers. This constant transition instilled in her a sense of responsibility and adaptability, essential traits that she utilizes in her teaching today. Initially, becoming a teacher was not part of her plans; however, her early experiences as a Sunday school teacher at the age of 16 sparked an unexpected passion for education. With encouragement from her aunt, she pursued further education and earned her qualifications.
Dravikula’s journey in teaching began in a private school before she transitioned to the Ministry of Education in 2021. She intentionally chose to work in a rural setting, aiming to engage with and contribute to the lives of children outside urban centers. In her classroom, she encounters daily challenges and unique experiences that reflect the diverse backgrounds of her students. Rural children, she notes, tend to show immense respect and eagerness to learn, a stark contrast to the more confident and digitally influenced children in urban areas.
Language barriers present a challenge as Dravikula adapts to the Nadroga dialect while communicating with her students, who largely speak this local language. Nevertheless, her commitment to teaching is unwavering. Celebrating milestones, such as students learning to write their names, serves as a profound motivation for her. She sees teaching as a calling and recognizes the significant responsibility it entails.
Reflecting on her journey, Dravikula emphasizes the mutual lessons learned between teachers and their young pupils. Her role enables her to cultivate kindness, patience, and understanding, traits she believes are essential not just for educators but for all individuals. Through her teaching, she aims to nurture not only literacy but also a sense of hope for her students, envisioning them as future contributors to society.
In an inspiring testament to her calling, Dravikula stays grounded through her faith, viewing each child as a valuable gift. As she continues to guide and support her students, she remains committed to fostering their development, believing that her teaching efforts will ripple positively through families and communities for years to come.
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