Rakiraki-based teachers, Shinal Naidu and Anit Kumar are grateful to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for the opportunity to be among the team of frontline workers.

Ms Naidu, a teacher at Rakiraki Methodist School said although she missed out a lot on family time, she was content to serve the people in the Ra area while advocating on the importance of vaccination.

She said her aim was to not only advocate on the vital role of getting vaccinated but to also deliver messages to parents to keep their children protected from the global virus.

“We were scared in the beginning but as soon as we joined the team we knew that it was something that we can do for the nation,” she said.

“We are proud after being part of the health team and it was a good opportunity for us to meet people from all walks of life.

“While at the same time we made sure that we motivate and encourage our parents to get vaccinated so they can help us get our children back to school as we are eagerly waiting for our schools to open.”

Mr Kumar, a teacher at Nanuku Sangam School said he began his voluntary work with the health team in August at the time when the COVID-19 virus was spreading quickly in the Ra area.

“We were proud to be chosen as frontliners to assist the people of Rakiraki and we are still part of the team,” he said.

Nakorotubu Secondary School teacher Alitea Vono and her husband, Nemia Naulumatua also assisted the health ministry in catering for the needs for the people of Ra.

Mr Naulumatua said he stayed away from his family for several weeks.

“We had to cater for our own food and be away at camp for some nights away from my family where we stayed at the senior education officer’s home, Maika Moroca,” he said.

“During the first lockdown, I was part of the group of people who had to go around delivering food to people.”

Feedback:  nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj