Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was an inspiration not only for the students but for all citizens of the country, said Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School assistant principal Vidyotma Narayan. She said Mr Bainimarama had always put Fiji first.

She delivered her thanks to Mr Bainimarama, who was chief guest at the dedication of the new $5 million complex at the school in Vatuwaqa, Suva, yesterday.

The complex includes highly modern computer labs, science labs, technical drawing rooms, a big library, a staffroom with individual work stations for teachers, offices for heads departments and school heads and a pavilion.

Mr Bainimarama in his address said there was a need to set high standards for Fijian children.

“We need to set high standards for ourselves—for the quality of our instruction, for the way we design and equip our facilities, and for the example we set,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama highlighted the important role teachers played.

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School students at their new complex opening on November 5, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

“If their teachers are just and fair, the children will learn justice and fairness. If their teachers are patient and kind, the children will learn patience and kindness,” he said.

“If their teachers are tolerant of differences, the children will learn tolerance. In no small way, our teachers help raise our children and turn them into responsible, caring adults and good citizens.”

Mr Bainimarada added that the new complex was outfitted for the computer age.

“It promises its 900 students a fine start in life if they choose to take advantage of what is here, and it can accommodate more students in the future,” he said.

The new complex was made possible through a loan by the Gujerat Education Society which runs MGM High School, MGM Primary School, Indra Gandhi Memorial Primary and Nehru Memorial Primary School.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj