Government’s effort in building better roads and providing free education for Fijian children was commended by a villager of Waicoba in the Sigatoka Valley yesterday.

Tikiko Degei, 58, a father of two of Vagadra Village thanked Government, especially Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama for improving Fijian roads and education.

He was among happy parents of Waicoba District School where Mr Bainimarama opened a new school building consisting of two classrooms and an ablution which cost $48,000.

“My dream of getting better education for my children is what pushes me to bring my children this far,” Mr Degei said.

He said he accompanied his Year 8 daughter to school daily by carrier.

He said his dream of educating his children had been helped by the improvement of roads and provision of free education.

“Although my village is far from this school, I wake up early every morning to prepare them for school. The road is good now, so coming to school is a lot easier even though it’s far.

“Nowadays I want my children to be educated better than me so they can go a long way.”

Children from Narewa, Sovatava, Vagadra and Lima villages in the interior of Sigatoka Valley attend the school.

Because of the locations of the villages, most students stay in the dormitory during the week.

“Most of the children in the village of Nasovatava and Vagadra come to this school even though it’s far. There are dormitories for boys and girls where they stay,” Ana Nauvasi, one of the teachers said.

The school started its pre-school last year. This year it has a roll of 16 students.

Mr Bainimarama, in his speech said: “That is why education is top priority for my Government. I have said that I want education to be my Legacy”.

“I want to be known as the Prime Minister who finally made education free. I want to be known as the Prime Minister who finally told parents and children that this is your right.

“Nothing is more plain sailing then to build a country of future generation that are very educated.

“We provide education as a community, and we will not charge you fee after fee after fee to give your children something that is so basic,” he said.

Waicoba District School was established in 1950 by members of the Narewa, Nasovotava, Vagadra villages and Nakavika, Tavuto, Narata, and Bilalevu settlements.

Edited by Maikeli Seru

Feedback:  litia.tikomailepanoni@fijisun.com.fj