Dilkusha Girls School Year Seven prefect, Adi Ana Tawake cried tears of joy on Friday after she was inducted.

She said it was a weird feeling because she never had the opportunity to lead before.

As parents stood up one by one to badge their daughters, Adi Ana was badged by Iva Mataitoga, a secretary at the Nausori Dilkusha Home.

Adi Ana has lived at the Home since she was three-months-old. The volunteers and 32 children at the Home are her family.

Her teachers and friends at school are her inspiration. She spoke highly of the dedication and commitment of her teachers.

She also acknowledged Deaconess Leba and Deaconess Olivia for their unwavering support.

“They always taught me to never give up in whatever I do,” Adi Ana said.

Adi Ana quickly shook her head and wiped away tears when asked whether she would have preferred to have her mum or dad present at the induction.

“I’ve never met my mum or dad. But my mum called last Saturday to congratulate me because she heard that I was going to be a prefect,” she said.

“I didn’t know what to tell her, so I put the phone down.”

Adi Ana loves the Home. She also loves to read.

Ms Mataitoga said she reads at least three to four books a day.

“She is very smart and playful. In fact, she inspires and motivates the other children at the Home to read and study,” Ms Mataitoga said.

Last year, Adi Ana topped her class in English.

It’s little wonder that the 11-year-old has kept her options open about her ambition in life.

“I want to become either a journalist, lawyer or scientist,” she said.

Her teachers are proud of Adi Ana’s achievement.

A well-mannered girl and very hard working as Tarusila Tawake, a Year Six teacher describes.

The last prefect from the Home inducted at the school was in 2003.

Out of the 16 children attending primary school from the Home, 13 attend Dilkusha Girls School and only three go to the adjacent boys school. Four are in high school.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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