Increase in school roll, new kindergarten triggers expansion

Students of Conua District School in Nadroga will soon enjoy two more new classrooms. Construction work will start in a few weeks.

This was confirmed by Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort general manager, Peter Hopgood.

He said this was possible through their community tourism project to cater for the increasing school roll for 2017.

“When we first got in Conua District School back in 2010 they have 65 students and this year they have 95 students and 20 students kindergarten students so it’s gone up by 50 students,” Mr Hopgood said.

This transpired after Mr Hopgood toured the school with his chief engineer to get feedback as school would start next week.

“I asked the head teacher how 2017 was looking,” he said.

“Peter we don’t know what we’re going to do, too many kids are coming to school. So I turned to Charlie and said we are going to build two new classrooms for the school.”

He said the resort staff members would take their guests for tours to the valley and show them the project.

“Then we invite them to come and help us build. Guests have come to me and say Peter, ‘This is one of our best holidays we got to do something for the kids and it gives something else in life,” he said.

He said the project would cost around $120,000 and the school management also contributed towards the funds.

Mr Hopgood praised Fiji Kids and affirmed their partnership. Fiji Kids is a charity organisation that assists students of the Sigatoka valley.

“I would like to acknowledge Fiji Kids again; these kids wouldn’t have come to school if the Fiji Kids didn’t give them the support to their mums and dads,” he said.

“We can build these things but without you (Fiji Kids) it would impossible. You have sponsored them here in giving the kids opportunity and that’s so special.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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