About 53 students of Basden Anglican College in Newtown, Nasinu received a desk and a chair each on Friday. They will be using these furniture at home when studying.

This was an extra effort and support by the College principal Mohammed Saiyaz Khan.

“It will be a motivational tool for them,” Mr Khan said.

Mr Khan was transferred from Nadogo Central College in Macuata, Vanua Levu.

He took it upon himself to know the community and the backgrounds of his students at his new College.

“I have found that 80 per cent of the students come from poor background and broken families,” he said.

“Some students have no furniture in their homes, they either sit on the floor or lie down to study.”

Mr Khan said he held discussions with his cousin in Australia who financed the desks and chairs.

He found that the best way to improve students’ academic performance and personal characteristics was to engage with them, their families and the community.

Mr Khan hoped to have the support of the community as he aims to make changes to the school especially in improving the school results.

“For anything to improve, it takes effort from everyone, even if it is just a little,” he said.

Mr Khan wants the results at the end of the year to tell the story of the commitment by the teachers, students and parents.

Basden Anglican College has this year increased its roll to 316.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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