The majority of secondary and primary schools around the country have already conducted their prefect induction ceremonies.

It’s a norm that schools invite guests to speak to the students on leadership qualities and to encourage them.

And in response, it was equally encouraging to hear from the newly-inducted leaders of their willingness to rise to the challenges. These young leaders could become successful entrepreneurs, parliamentarians, chief executive officers, senior military officers, and so on in the near future.

At Sila Central High School in Nausori on Tuesday the chief guest was the Commissioner Central, Setareki Tale. At Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) a former student and now the Yatu Lau Company’s chief executive officer (CEO), Alipate Naiorosui, was the guest speaker.

At Sila Central High School Mr Tale reminded the prefects that by receiving their badges they had accepted the mantle of school leadership together with the responsibilities that come with it.

“The real work for you lies ahead,” he said.

“Leadership is defined as the ability of an individual to influence, motivate and enable others to realise their full potential.

“Leadership is about bringing positive changes to individuals and to the organisation.

“According to Mr Tale this is the challenge for them in the year ahead.”

For students aspiring to be prefects next year and to assume leadership roles in the future, he advised: “You must first learn to follow the lead of your prefects and your teachers this year. You will never become a good leader if you were not a good follower.”

At RKS Mr Naiorosui told the prefects that the badge given to them was a symbol of trust by the school principal and teachers to delegate responsibility to the headboy and his team.

They were reminded that accountability rests with the principal and teachers.

“They will still be answerable for the prefects,” he said.

He reminded them that there were many values they need to live by but the most important value of all is honesty and integrity.

“With this value your life at RKS will go a long way to make you are a great leader and person when you leave RKS. This value applies to all students as well,” he said.

Mr Naiorosui also talked about good teamwork

“I do not need to remind you that teamwork is very critical. You should listen and respect each others views as well, if you are to succeed. The clean sweep of the 2017 Deans Rugby competition can be a good testimony of great team work and support for all.”

An honest leader will gain trust and be trusted by those he leads or followers. An honest leader will lead by example, be a role model and will gain loyalty as well.

This, according to Nairosui, was critical at boarding schools because prefects were entrusted or delegated leadership roles by teachers.

Both the speakers reminded the prefects that they also had a major role to lift the academic achievements of their fellow students.

As a leading light, the prefects have been invested with the responsibility to do the right thing at all times.

From the day of their induction they will turn on a new leaf. They will leave behind their old ways; be punctual to school and counsel their juniors well.

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