The Fijian Government is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 “Our Fiji, Our Constitution” Student Art-and-Essay Competition.

The contest encouraged students to delve into the Fijian Constitution to explore its meaning in their lives and its significance in shaping Fiji’s future.

The contest attracted 1,262 essays and 2,890 poster submissions from Primary and Secondary school students nationwide.

The winners were selected by a four person panel and were announced this evening by the Director of the Human Rights Commission, Ashwin Raj, at a cocktail function held in State House.

“We were impressed by the quality of the submissions and some of the essays were truly inspiring,” said Mr Raj.

The words from the winner of the essay competition, Aliha Anshira Nisha, a Year 11 student at Xavier College, struck a chord with the judges.

“Unity is what eventually leads towards peace and development. Working together as equals on the basis of common citizenry is how the people of Fiji can take Fiji forward. … One person can make a difference and everyone should try.”

During the awards ceremony, Mr Raj also commended the competition sponsors, the Fiji Sun, Fiji Airways, HFC Bank and the ATH Group of Companies, FINTEL, Vodafone Fiji Ltd, Telecom Fiji Ltd, for their generous contributions in making the competition possible.

It was also announced that the competition would be expanded next year to include an adult section.

The full list of winners is as follows:

Winners of the art competition for students in Years 1-6

• 1st place: Jolame Rakaisau – Navoli Sangam School, Year 5 (Prize:  Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school, $1,000.00 cash prize, free 12-month subscription to the Fiji Sun and Fiji Sun gift pack)

• 2nd place: David Bradburg – Waidamudamu S.D, Year 2 student (Prize: Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school, $750.00 cash prize, free 12-month subscription to the Fiji Sun and Fiji Sun gift pack)

• 3rd place: Kashvi Kumar – Barotu Primary School,  Year 4 (Prize: Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school, $750.00 cash prize, free 12-month subscription to the Fiji Sun and Fiji Sun gift pack)

• 4th place: Zayeer Zain Ali – Varavu Muslim Primary, Year 5 (Prize: Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school and $500.00 cash prize).

• 5th place: Josaia Natuilagi – Tabia S.D Primary School, Year 5 Student (Prize: Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school and $500.00 cash prize)

Winners of the essay competition

• 1st place: Aliha Anshira Nisha – Xavier College, Year 11 (Prize: Choice of fully paid trip to either India or France to visit the Parliament in that country and learn about their constitutions, HP laptop, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school and $1,000.00 cash   prize, free 12-month subscription to the Fiji Sun and Fiji Sun gift pack)

• 2nd place: Jessica Chan – Yat Sen Secondary School, Year XX (Prize: HP laptop, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school, $1,000.00 cash prize, free 12-month subscription to the Fiji Sun and Fiji Sun gift pack)

• 3rd place: Avishek Asish – South Taveuni Secondary School, Year 13 (Prize: HP laptop, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school, $750.00 cash prize, free 12-month subscription to the Fiji Sun and Fiji Sun gift pack)

• 4th place: Deepsha Lal – Penang Sangam, Year 11 student (Prize: HP laptop, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, photocopier for school, $500.00 cash prize, free 12-month subscription to the Fiji Sun and Fiji Sun gift pack)

In the essay competition, Honourable Mentions were also awarded to:

• Jope Vulisere – Lami High, Year 12
• Herunesh Hemish Nadan – Penang Sangam,  Year 11
• Talica Vakasawaqa – Ahmadiya Muslim, Year 11
• Arieta Galuvakadua – Swami Shraddhanand, Year 7
• Akanisi Elizabeth – Cuvu College, Year 11

(Prize: Samsung Galaxy Tablet, $500.00 cash prize, free 12-month subscription to the Fiji Sun and one Fiji Sun gift pack)

All cash prizes will be deposited into HFC bank accounts in each recipient’s name.