Voivoi kindergarten to benefit residents and nearby communities of Legalega in the nadi area

Tiny tots of Voivoi Settlement and nearby communities in Legalega, Nadi, will not have to travel far in order to attend kindergarten.

This was after the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama officially opened Volivoli Kindergarten yesterday during his tour of the Western Division.

School president Abhi Ram said they first decided to build a kindergarten in 2011 because children in the area had to travel seven kilometres by bus to attend kindergarten.

“We wanted to build the school up to beam heights but we did not have enough money, so we requested the Government and they finally build it,” he said.

Mr Abhi Ram, who is a former primary school teacher, thanked the Government for their effort and assistance.

“It’s beautifully done and the effort put in this kindergarten is just wonderful and we thank the government for their effort.”

He said there were 14 students currently enrolled in the kindergarten that lived in nearby communities like Legalega, Malawi, and Matavolivoli in Nadi.

Happy parent, Epeli Marawa said: “This is history. My son will be a pioneer of this kindergarten. I am so thankful to this Government for doing this to the children in this community.”

Mr Marawa said he would continue to send his child to attend the new kindergarten because it was closer to their home.

“We have been encouraged by Government to send our children to a school that is closer to our home.”

Mr Bainimarama, while officiating at the opening, said the Voivoi Kindergarten would be an important community resource.

“The assistance provided by Government was just under $64,000 to complete the kindergarten and provide furnitures,” he said.

“Kindergarten is important in a child’s development. It helps them learn to make friendships. It teaches them some of the early basic skills they will need to succeed in school.”

Mr Bainimarama said early childhood education was important at it was guaranteed in the Constitution as part of every person’s right to education.

“I am not aware of another nation that has enshrined early childhood education in this way, so that it cannot be taken away. I believe that education is not just the parents’ responsibility; it is the community’s. We all benefit when we educate all our children,” he said. Edited by Filipe Naigulevu

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