For Naikeleyaga Village School manager, Kameli Baleilautoka, receiving the boat their school had been in need of for so many years was an emotional one for him.

Mr Baleilautoka came all the way from Naikeleyaga Village in Kabara, Lau for the boat handover from the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Mahendra Reddy on Tuesday.

“We had asked for assistance from the government since 2014 and we are just overjoyed that we have finally received this much needed assistance,” Mr Baleilautoka said.

He said the school over the past few years had found it difficult in transporting students to school.

The village boat owners sometimes had other commitments and this was often the reason the students didn’t go to school.

“This is the first boat for the school and we want to thank the government for this great assistance that would greatly help the students in their education,” said the manager.

Mr Reddy said: “This boat is a symbol of a journey to prosperity and I know when the boat arrives to the island, will bring smiles to the faces of the children and the community.”

Mr Reddy also confirmed the distribution of about 2000 to 3000 mattresses for interior boarding schools.

The boat handover was held at Waisomo House in Suva yesterday.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: mere.satakala@fijisun.com.fj