Students at Sigatoka Methodist School are celebrating Christmas early this year, thanks to the generous support from the Tappoo family, one of Fiji’s leading corporate groups. The Tappoo family’s strong ties to Sigatoka and the school have deepened annually, showcasing their commitment to the community.
Through the Tappoo Foundation, the family has recently addressed the school’s urgent water supply issues by funding the construction of infrastructure to support two 10,000-liter water tanks at the newly relocated Sigatoka Methodist College in Kulukulu. During last Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony, Tappoo Group chairperson Kanti Tappoo, who is also a former student of the school, shared fond memories of growing up in Sigatoka with his siblings. He highlighted how multiple generations of the Tappoo family have attended the school, including his grandchildren, Ravi and Brinda.
Kanti reminisced about his Sunday school days and the significant role that the late Reverend Edward Caleb played in shaping his family’s values during their early education.
The relocation of a portion of Sigatoka Methodist School from Laselase to Kulukulu on a newly acquired 10-acre property presented challenges, especially concerning inconsistent water supply. School manager Jacob Pau’u noted that while two Year 12 and two Year 13 streams have been established at the new site, further investments are necessary to complete new buildings and fully relocate the school.
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.” This provision now ensures that the school has a reliable water supply, regardless of external conditions.
Having been rooted in the community since its founding on August 23, 1941, the Tappoo Group, led by Kanti, continues to honor its legacy by supporting beneficiaries closely connected to the family, including the villages of Laselase and Nayawa, as well as Sigatoka Methodist School and Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm School.
This initiative serves as a reminder of the positive impact that community support and corporate responsibility can have in addressing local challenges, inspiring hope and building a brighter future for the students and families involved.
In summary, the Tappoo family’s generous contributions not only resolve immediate needs but also foster a deeper sense of community and connection among past and present students, reinforcing the importance of education and support in building a foundation for future generations.
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