Students do not have to travel to Suva to attend secondary schools

Parents used to tell their children in Lau when they leave their islands in the Lau Group to pursue their education in Suva.

They said, “Don’t ever come back to the island. Study hard and make a life for you in Viti Levu for the hardship we face here is enough for us to face.”

That’s not the case anymore now, says Roko Tui Lau, Ratu Paula Delaivuna because of the Government’s free education initiative.

“The Government is using education as a tool to combat the hardships faced by people of Lau,” Ratu Delaivuna said.

It was the reason, he said, that  secondary school building extensions are now constructed on certain islands in the Lau group.

Historically, he said, the people of Lau had contributed to the building of our nation.

They had also provided great statesmen like former prime minister and president Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the former Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ‘o Lau (Paramount chief of Lau). Prior to him was the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna which strong maternal links to Lakeba.

The young people today had a great legacy, he said.

“The onus is on the young generation to take advantage of the new free education initiative. Their parents should be vigilant with their support.

“The education ministry’s initiative of assisting maritime students within A grade boarding schools is a great help,” he said.

Island students now did not have to travel to Suva for their secondary education. In Suva, they stayed with relatives who themselves were struggling to cope with life.

The lack of direction and parental guidance often led to students playing truant and dropping out of school.

The Government’s initiatives were designed to bring developments to the islands to stimulate rural and maritime economy.

Rehabilitation after TC Winston continues. Two groups have been sent  overseas to do fruit picking as part of the seasonal worker scheme.

Ratu Paula said: “Plans to rebuild Lau and arrest the urban drift are part of Government’s long term strategy of identifying potential areas for economic development. “Tourism is part of that vision.”

With its pristine waters and natural beauty Lau had a lot to offer, from the islands to the north to the furthest islands in the southern tip of the group.

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