Moving to the Cook Islands at a young age was not an easy transition for Fiji-born student Adi Francess Jacinta Lesi.

Jacinta, as she is fondly known, beat competition from her peers to be appointed a prefect at St. Joseph Catholic Primary School in Rarotonga.

From St. Thomas Primary School, Lautoka to St. Joseph in Rarotonga, she is the only Fijian prefect among the Cook Island’s student-prefects.

She relocated to join her parents Emosi and Maria Lesi in the Cook Islands along with her older brother Joseph and grandmother Va Konu-Rainima.

She has two younger siblings who were born in Rarotonga, Gloria-Anne Vakadewa and Emosi Lesi Jnr.

Jacinta was in kindergarten when they made the move.

Now in Year 6, the Tovu, Totoya, Lau lass with maternal links to Buca Bay, Natewa said she would proudly promote her Fijian identity and values in the Cook Islands.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be one of the school prefects. I will try my best to become a successful figure in representing the school in day to day life,” she said.

“Our school principal is a Fijian, Mr Savenaca Tukitoba, and there are other Fijian teachers and students. I will not fail them and make sure to be an asset to the school, to be a good prefect, generous and kind as what Fijians are renowned for.”

She dedicated her achievement to her family and friends in Fiji and abroad.

Since moving abroad, Jacinta had adapted well and now speaks the Maori language.

A message she wanted to impart to young Fijian students like her, “Hear the student, value the learner”.

“One important thing to remember is that the student who hates school doesn’t necessarily hate learning or you – give them options to show what they know and what interests them.”

Feedback:  fonua.talei@fijisun.com.fj