With the Fijian Government ensuring that every child is given access to quality education, children must also do their part and work hard.

This was stressed by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, during the Drasa Avenue School prizegiving in Lautoka on Tuesday.

“As you celebrate the performance of your best students, it is imperative that you also pay tribute to the leadership of this country for the vision and wisdom,” he said.

Mr Koya said Government had set a solid foundation through initiatives like free education for children in kindergarten, free milk to all Year One students, bus fare for children whose parents earn less than $15,600.

There is also free education grant for schools, Toppers Scheme Scholarships for the top 600 high school students and the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS).

“Primary education is the foundation years during which a student develops good study habits, moral values, self-discipline and basic learning skills. That is literacy, numeracy, thinking and now IT skills.

“It is during this phase that students should learn to respect others, and take responsibility for their own learning.

“These attributes are as equally important as achieving high marks in examinations.

“Students, you must not forget that it is your teachers who mould your character, your personality and show you the right direction that will lead us to our eventual destiny.”

He encouraged students to take the bold step in higher education.

“There is no limit to recording great achievements in life if you are honest, hardworking and prepared to embrace the good things around you to aspire and achieve the best,” he said.

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