The newly appointed Director of the Fiji Museum, Sipiriano Nemani was satisfied with the crowd turnout at yesterday’s open day which combined with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Mr Nemani said yesterday was a very special day because it was the celebration of the Chinese New Year and it was a very significant element in Chinese history.

“We can see the passion and the interest of the students and the Chinese performers was very exhilarating,” he said.

“For them to sing an iTaukei song shows an interest in cross culturalism and understanding us.”

The moving crowd of over 100 people was serenaded by the Sanya Sunbird Dance group from China who performed various dance and unique musical instruments and the highlight of their performance was when the group sang a popular iTaukei song.

Student learning

Students from DAV Girls’ College, Nasinu Secondary School, Gospel High School, Ratu Sukuna Memorial School, and DAV College were at the Open Day.

“It was just a great learning experience to learn a bit of history about China and their culture that I didn’t know about,” said Year 13 student, Alini Maca of Gospel High School.

Kenny Makubuna of Dudley High School said the Chinese performance was interesting to watch and especially with the unique instruments they were using.

“It was just awesome to see the performance and I learnt today that in the Chinese calendar it’s their new year,” said student, Aliti Mack.

There was a display from National Archives and activities included Chinese calligraphy (learning to write in Chinese), photo exhibition, quiz competitions and prizes, Chinese paper cutting, live demonstration and craft display.

Micahel Wong of Suva brought his children with him to the open day which he did every year.

“It’s always good to come back to the museum as there is a lot of history here,” said Mr Wong.

Angela Waradi bought her two daughters for the open day so they can see the artifacts especially the animals which was the kid’s favourite. For them it was an annual event they celebrated.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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