Students at Sigatoka Methodist School received an early Christmas gift this year, thanks to the generous support of the Tappoo family, one of Fiji’s leading corporate families. With deep roots in the Sigatoka community, the Tappoo family continues to foster a strong connection with the school, enhancing its facilities for the benefit of its students.
Through the Tappoo Foundation, the group has addressed the school’s pressing need for a reliable water supply by constructing the infrastructure necessary to accommodate two 10,000-litre water tanks at the newly established Sigatoka Methodist College in Kulukulu. This significant contribution came to light during an inauguration ceremony held at the school, where Kanti Tappoo, chairperson of the Tappoo Group and a former student, reminisced about his childhood experiences in Sigatoka with his siblings.
During his address, Tappoo highlighted the long-standing association his family has had with the school, including the attendance of his grandchildren. He reflected on the valuable life lessons imparted during his Sunday school classes, especially crediting the late Reverend Edward Caleb for his influence on their values education.
The relocation of a section of Sigatoka Methodist School from Laselase to Kulukulu was driven by the Methodist Church’s initiative, but it brought with it challenges, particularly concerning water supply. The school’s manager, Jacob Pau’u, noted that the newly established campus has two Year 12 and two Year 13 streams, while planning for additional buildings is contingent upon available funding.
Mr. Pau’u expressed gratitude for the Tappoo family’s contribution, stating, “We had a lot of water problems, but that has been solved by the kind gesture of the Tappoo family. The tanks will sustain the needs of the school and the students.” Mr. Tappoo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that has been integral to his family’s upbringing.
Additionally, the Tappoo Group of Companies, founded in 1941 by the late Tappoo Kanji, makes it a tradition to commemorate each anniversary by supporting beneficiaries closely tied to their legacy, including local villages and schools.
This act of kindness not only solves a practical issue for the school but also reinforces a sense of community and shared values among the families involved, showcasing how initiatives like these can foster a positive future for education in Fiji. The Tappoo family’s ongoing commitment to Sigatoka Methodist School serves as a reminder of the impact that corporate responsibility can wield within local communities.
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