Joana Chan of Nehru Memorial Primary School in Suva, vows to lead by example after she was inducted as the 2016 headgirl yesterday. Joana said under her leadership she would stress the importance of humility, a sense of purpose and discipline to students.

“Being a leader does not necessarily mean you have to lead others, it’s also about the ability to lead your own self,” she said.

The Toorak, Suva-based school conducted its prefect induction at the Kshatriya Hall, Desvouex Road yesterday.

Joana, headboy Etika Misau, class captains, environment monitors, road marshals, school prefects, and the deputy headboy and deputy headgirl were inducted by the chief guest, Mohammed Saneem, the Supervisor of Elections.

“Age is no barrier to leadership and I also reinforce the point that age is no barrier to courage because it takes courage to be a leader and leaders are courageous,” Mr Saneem told the students.

He also advised the newly-appointed leaders to work as a team.

“Good leaders will lead within their team. In doing so they will earn the respect and trust of their colleagues. Being honest and firm takes the leader and the team far,” he said.

Misau said the headboy had a very important role in the school.

“I am very happy and I have a lot to learn. I have a lot of weight on my shoulders with my school work, sporting activities, extra-curricular activities and my clubs. It’s going to be a hard year for me,” he said