Savusavu’s Napuka Secondary School’s retired Principal has made plans to use her retire­ment period to set up a cafeteria business in Labasa Town.

An emotional Alefina Vukiwai was among the 19 teachers who were recognised and farewelled in the presence of the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Pre­mila Kumar in Labasa on Tuesday night. Ms Vukiwai, said retirement comes with a new challenge, how­ever, as she perceived the proposed cafeteria business as an opportu­nity to use her food and catering knowledge of Home Economics to prepare and serve her customers local and traditional dishes.

Ms Vukiwai said the new business, which she hopes to start next year, would provide her with a chance to create a productive environment around her.

Originally from Savusavu, the 55-year-old said she would miss the teaching profession because of the vast opportunities it presented to inspire and mould future leaders.

“I would miss participating at principal conferences and other teacher workshops where we used to meet and share ideas on how to better lead and support our schools’ educational growth,” she said.

At the moment, she is selling yaqo­na from her home in Labasa.

Ms Vukiwai said her son, who re­cently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and History, is also hoping to join the teaching profession soon.

Correct Qualification and Technological Competence a must

Ms Vukiwai encouraged teachers who had a plain degree teaching qualifications to complete their ed­ucation units in order to access job promotions and secure placement in their various teaching positions.

“There are teachers who lack teacher training knowledge or practical and at times are techno­logical incompetent to cater for their student’s needs,” she added.