Duavata Secondary School of Vanua Levu, Votualevu College of Nadi and Central College in Lautoka are the winners of the #OurConstitution Challenge, organised by the Office of the President.

For this year’s challenge, the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, called on Fijians to explain what the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment meant for them in a video.

Entries were to be submitted in short videos, where people could explain how they planned to help uphold every Fijian’s constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

More than 100 submissions were received. Duavata Secondary School won first place, while Votualevu College and Central College in Lautoka took the second and third prizes respectively.

Prizes included an Eco Retreat Package worth up to $5000, an Ocean Adventure Package worth up to $3000, and a River Safari Package worth up to $2000. All prices could also be exchanged in cash value.

DUAVATA SECONDARY SCHOOL

Duavata Secondary School from Udu district in Macuata is a rural-based school of fewer than 75 students. Their video was on advocating the natural environment and the importance of safeguarding our land, sea and natural resources to ensure sustainability.

The video showcased the pledge taken by the students to protect their environment and exercise their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment into practice.

School principal Ajesh Prasad said: “We succeeded because we had the backing of the entire school (students, teachers and parents.”

Duavata Secondary School teachers and the video core group members (students) scooped first prize during the National Constitution Day video challenge.

The eight-member production team were students, Mereoni Kelera, Maria Prasad, Apisai Vulaono, Poseci Baleikasavu, Mitiani Turaga, Aisea Masivesi, Epeli Vosadrau and Makereta Sinukakala.

Physical Education teacher Sevanaia Matevakaloloma said it was every Fijians’ responsibility to safeguard our land and its resources.

The Matata Productions team was acknowledged in making the video a success.

VOTUALEVU COLLEGE

For second prize winner, Votualevu College principal Rajesh Chand said excellence was never by chance. Mr Chand said Votualevu College’s success in the challenge portrayed the notion of patriotism instilled in the students by parents and teachers.

The victorious news of being in second place has let the parents, teachers, students’ chest swell with pride.

“It is a positive moment for the school,” Mr Chand said.

From left: Votualevu College Principal Rajesh Chand, assistant principal Jamesh Nand, Ruth Tarai, Charlotte Chandra, Tonia Vosatale, Daniel Beraka, Saachi Kumar, VP Sophia Jaffar and HOD Social Science Patricia Kaukitubou. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

“It is a result of dedication, inspiration and most importantly motivation not only from the individual but also by the well-wishers and facilitators.

“Indeed, the concerns and the voices of the young ones have proven that Fiji’s constitution is a Vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age. Consequently, Votualevu College is immensely thankful for this award.”

CENTRAL COLLEGE LAUTOKA

Central College Lautoka Year 13 students Sumil Sharma, Ryan Chand and Kishan Kumar conceptualised, shot and edited a video based on the impacts of climate change for the challenge.

Sumil said the trio did the production a day before the application closed.

“We were told by our teachers that there was a competition,” he said.

From left: Central College Lautoka assistant principal Kamal Rao, principal Amant Lal, students Kishan Kumar, Sumil Sharma and Ryan Chand, vice principal Vinesh Kumar and the overall teacher in charge of the project, Aleshma Prasad. Photo: Salote Qalubau

“At first, we were a little bit hesitant because we were concerned about whether we’ll be able to do it or not within that time frame,” he said.

“We as the generation living in the environment were surrounded with so many climate problems, environmental problems.

“And what can we do? Our contribution was towards achieving the ultimate goal of saving the environment.”

Ryan said: “It took us about 10 hours. Editing alone took about five to six hours. We took resources from the internet, we did research and used our general knowledge.”

“We are surprised and happy to have been selected out of so many schools we were selected in the top three.”

“We want to dedicate this to the entire year 13 A class, the coordinator, our parents who allowed us to meet and the school.”

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