A rural primary school, built more than 60 years ago, has welcomed its first iTaukei teacher.

Silivia Soakula, 48, of Nacula in the Yasawa Group, is Vakabuli Primary School’s new head teacher.

She is enjoying enjoying every minute of it.

The students are predominantly Indo-Fijian and the school was formerly known as Vakabuli Indian School.

Vakabuli  is populated by mostly Indo-Fijian farmers who plant cane and pineapple.

Mrs Soakula’s husband works for South Pacific Butchery in Nadi.

She stays at the school’s head teacher’s quarters with her son who is in Year 3 and her grandson who attends kindergarten.

Prior to her transfer, Mrs Soakula was teaching at Ratu Nemani Memorial School in Momi, just out of Nadi.

“I did not know that there weren’t any iTaukei teachers here before and I am privileged to be the first. I thank God for giving me this opportunity and it’s His will that I am here,” Mrs Soakula said.

The school has a role of 75 students and 15 kindergarten pupils.

“I love it out here and hope I can stay here for a few years.”

Mrs Soakula paid tribute to the Advisory Councillor Shamshad Ali who, through his hard work, managed to get Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to visit the school.

“Mr Ali has been a tireless worker here and whenever there is a problem here he never hesitates to help.”

Mr Ali said he had been living in the area for nearly 60 years.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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