PM: Education Quality Not Based On Location
The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, says the quality of education should never be decided based on where someone chooses to call home.
He made the statement after handing over a VTSAT system worth $20,307 to Natutale Primary School in Magodro, Ba yesterday.
“For generations, many of you have lived here in Natutale – so it is my Government’s job to come to you and not the other way around,” he said.
“It is my duty as Prime Minister to make sure that your school and your community receive as much assistance as needed to give your students the same opportunities in life as anywhere else in our islands.”
Mr Bainimarama said with the remote location, it can make it difficult to provide much-needed services and support.
“That is why schools such as yours require special attention from my Government,” he said.
“We’ve secured this funding for your school because we want you remain connected to the rest of the country, and the rest of the world.
Headteacher Iliana Taganimanaqe, 52, said: “The Government has made work for the teachers easier; they have also enabled students to broaden their knowledge when we start giving lessons to students on using computers.
“Before we had problems connecting to the internet or when using mobile phones and other electronic items, sometimes we have to take laptops to certain hotspot areas to be able to open our mail.”
She added the Ministry of Education sends emails and other school message on things we need to submit, but the situation in this area makes it hard for them to connect.
“Now that problem is all over; we have four land-line phones to reach the Ministry of Education and get excess to email and also free WiFi 10 metres around the premises.
The school boosts 54 students and four teachers.
Mother of three, Akosita Seutobo said: “The availability of this technology will help our children know about what’s happening around the world.
“They will also learn how to use computers and will broaden their knowledge.”
Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti
Feedback: litia.tikomailepanoni@fijisun.com.fj
