The opening of the Magodro Junior Secondary School in the Ba highlands is a perfect example of the Government taking development to the people.

It ends all the years of sacrifice by parents to send their children to secondary schools outside of Ba.

They would first try to enrol their children at Queen Victoria School, Ratu Kadavulevu School or Adi Cakobau School. If they fail, then they go for other schools.

The logistics and expenses involved can be daunting, but the parents have perservered. They have made huge sacrifices given their meager income and subsistence way of living. Those sacrifices have paid off.

Government has recognised their sacrifices and come to their aid. The students do not have to go far now. They stay at home, attend school and access the same tools of learning that are available in other secondary schools.

The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, commended the villagers for their sacrifices and said: “Let me assure you that the days of sacrifice that you have endured are over.”

Tui Magodro, Ratu Simione Navutevute, says there is no reason for students to apply for enrolment at schools such as QVS, RKS or ACS now.

He believes all schools have the potential to earn the same status as the three schools.

He made the comments while thanking Government during the official opening of the school in the tikina of Magodro, based at Bukuya in the highlands of Ba province. Eight villages will benefit from this education project.

Ratu Simione says: “We don’t need to send our children to QVS, RKS or ACS or any other school in the urban centre, this is our QVS, RKS and ACS. We will bring back all our children who are currently enrolled in the major schools in the urban areas to study here.”

The villagers are overjoyed because they have been praying for this day. Ratu Simione believes this generation is lucky to have witnessed this historic event. “We have a building and we need to fill it up.”

The challenge now rests with the villagers to put the new facilities to good use – not only filling up the classrooms but also ensuring that the school produces quality students.

Students, parents and other stakeholders must make the same commitment and sacrifice they made before the new school.

They cannot afford to sit back, relax and expect positive results. They need to continue to do their part.

The Government has done its part by providing the infrastructure and the facilities.

The onus is now on the villagers to help their children get the best education and fulfil their dreams.

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj