The Ministry of Education’s Department of Heritage and Arts, Fiji Museum, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the Fiji Arts Council conducted a cultural programme in Lautoka yesterday.

This is part of a three-day school holiday programme from August 24-26 for primary and secondary school students to learn iTaukei culture and custom.

Fiji Museum director Mere Ratunabuabua said Day One saw the attendance of about 50 students.

“This is the Minister of Education’s initiative and he wants us to take it to the West since it’s always done in Suva and Labasa,” Ms Ratunabuabua said.

“If we do not teach our children, then the culture will disappear. It’s good to have little activities for the children and we are hoping to have one every school break.”

Ms Ratunabuabua said lessons for the First Term holidays concentrated on pottery while the Second Term break would be directed at iTaukei culture and language, masi design, mat weaving, history of Fiji, iTaukei numeral learning and names of iTaukei artifacts.

“Most children are busy on social media, but if they forget their cultural heritage, it’s going to fade away.”

She said some Indo-Fijian children were also part of the event. The programme is held at the Sugar Cane Growers Hall at Drasa Avenue, Lautoka.

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