It was a proud moment for 3 maritime schools as they were handed a boat each fitted with engines at Waisomo Basement in Suva yesterday. The boats were handed over to Suisui Village School, from Vanuabalavu in Lau, Bau District School and Uluibau District School in Moturiki Island. Part of the handover was Naikaidrau Infant School in Naitasiri, which received a boat engine.

Suisui Village School Head Teacher, Regina Fesaitu said the boat will tremendously help both the primary and secondary students, as well as the teachers who can now go across to Lomaloma village to access their pay and medical services.

“It’s the first boat the school has received since 1965. We are so happy to have this boat as we only have a village boat that we normally hire to go across to Lomaloma village,” she said

Bau District School Head Teacher, Maikeli Hawea said the majority of students come from neighboring villages to the island.

“This will greatly help the students, teachers and management staff in transporting them for their administrative work,” he said.

For Uluibau Primary School of Moturiki Island it was a happy moment as well.

School Manager, Poasa Uluibau said it would greatly assist the transportation of its students and staff to neighbouring islands. The school has a roll of 53 students from Year 1-8 with four staff.

Ministry of Education Heritage and Arts Permanent Secretary, Iowane Tiko said the total cost for the boats and engine was $20,000.

“We have noted a few common problems in the past and after doing a rough survey, all schools in the maritime and rural zones, where boat transport is needed; we have not been able to address it adequately over the years.

“Today, we are celebrating the initiative donated by our Fiji Government,” Mr Tiko said

He wished all the schools the very best and that the donation will be used wisely for the sake of the children’s education and fulfill their dreams of a bright future.

Also present during the handover was Bau paramount chief, Ratu Apenisa Cakobau and Timothy Daniel.

Edited by Mohammed Ali

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