For five years, Shavnil Narayan has been travelling to school by boat crossing the Dreketi River.

The 19-year-old of Waimasi Settlement in Dreketi said it all paid off after he was badged head boy of Ahmadiyya Muslim College in Dreketi, outside Labasa.

“It is not easy to get into the boat at 7am, walk for few minutes before reaching the school,” he said.

“Sometimes I get wet and tired but I keep reminding myself that I need to complete my education in order to get a job.”

The youngest of three siblings said he was surprised.

“I am the first head boy in my family,” the aspiring architect said.

“Now that I am the head boy I will work on my time management making sure that I help my parents at home too.”

Head girl Reema Devi travels from Nasarawaqa, Bua to school.

“I wasn’t expecting to be the head girl as I was the senior prefect last year.

“My house was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Yasa but nothing stopped me from coming to school,” the aspiring doctor said.

“I am looking forward to this academic year as it will be very challenging for me.”

Ms Devi said she would give her full support to the students because many of them were affected by TC Yasa and Ana.

“We are thankful to the Government of the day for its support enabling each child to get a proper education,” she said.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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