Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport at the Sigatoka Methodist Primary School prizegiving yesterday.

I am delighted to be in Sigatoka today to preside over the Annual Prizegiving Day function here at Sigatoka Methodist Primary.
I understand what this special day in the annual calendar means to each one of you just by looking at the big smiles on your faces.
Well I hope you all continue to smile as we enjoy this day together.
Just two years ago in 2013, tragedy attempted to change the fate of this school in the form of a fire that destroyed 13 classrooms and the headteacher’s quarters.
But the resilience shown by the school management, teachers and students saw them rebuild and continue to strive for academic success with the assistance of the New Zealand and Japanese governments.
Today, with 878 students, this is one of the biggest primary schools in the Nadroga/Navosa district and is classified in the ED1B level.
I must thank the 26 teachers at the school for their hard work in grooming these children and I also thank the school management for their input for yet another successful year.
Also, I would like this time to remind you all that the FijiFirst Government, led by our Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, constantly strives to provide a supportive educational environment that has always encouraged young children.
I have no doubt that the teachers have succeeded in offering our children the skills and opportunities to have a positive view of themselves.
And have encouraged them to aim for success and be determined to achieve their personal best whether it be in education or some other areas because education is not just about academic success.
Teaching our children to value their talents is as important for us as developing individual talents because, in the real world, it is clear that those that have excelled in the development of their talents have not only done themselves proud, but are a source of inspiration to others, particularly you the children, Fiji’s future.
We must offer every child the opportunity for personal success in our fast changing world so our children are more aware of the world around them and to be equipped with the skills to deal with change.
This is where extracurricular activities play an important role in student development.
I must also remind teachers that the role of the adult is to facilitate learning to observe and to assess the child’s learning. And the role of the children is just to be children.
The parents also have a role to play and I ask them not to put the entire burden on the schools. After all, the children spend most of their time at home.
So, it’s up to the parents to spend more time which their children and assist in the education of their children by checking and helping with homework and assignments.
Supportive and creative parents can provide the best childhood experiences for your children to progress academically.
To the students, I ask that you continue to be diligent and disciplined in your academic life.
Always strive for excellence and be God fearing children and have faith in yourself.
To all the prize getters, you have worked so hard and deserve this recognition.
The prize that you receive today is an encouragement for all to work hard and you all deserve such awards when the year ends.
To those who are not collecting prizes, please ensure that you use your holidays well and prepare for next year and try your best to take some awards home in the next school year.
Once again, I congratulate the school management for their support to the school.
Congratulations to a team of hard working teachers and yes to the prize getters, all my best and good luck for your future endeavours.