The students from Lautoka School for Special Education embarked on a unique initiative following the recent Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific doubleheader held in Lautoka. Partnering with Social Innovation Fiji, these dedicated students took the lead in cleaning up the park after the match.
Demonstrating their commitment to environmental conservation, the students sorted collected waste into various categories including cans and plastic bottles. This initiative aligns perfectly with the school’s longstanding focus on the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Thanks to Swire Shipping, the students were able to attend the thrilling Fijian Drua match for free, which provided them not only with the excitement of the game but also an invaluable experience. For some children with disabilities, attending live sports events can be a significant challenge. However, within the company of their classmates, they thrived in the vibrant stadium atmosphere. Their cheers filled the air as the Drua staged a remarkable comeback during the game.
The clean-up effort was described as more than just a practical learning experience. According to the teacher coordinating the initiative, it served as a crucial reminder of the importance of caring for the environment. Tanoa Hotels showed their support by providing hats to the young volunteers, who remained diligent in their clean-up tasks even amidst the celebratory environment of the match.
Leading this commendable initiative was Kyogo Aida, a Japanese member of Social Innovation Fiji, who expressed hope that these actions would inspire future generations to engage with and be mindful of environmental issues. Just as the Fijian Drua players inspired the crowd, these children’s actions underscore the impact small efforts can have in fostering a cleaner, more responsible community.
As a note, this initiative is a great testament to the power of community engagement in promoting environmental awareness. It highlights the potential for sports events to not only provide entertainment but also serve as platforms for social and educational initiatives, spreading messages of responsibility and sustainability to wider audiences.
Looking ahead, the Fijian Drua will face the Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday evening, providing fans with yet another thrilling match to look forward to.
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