Discipline and service help Labasa student achieve Duke of Edinburgh Award

Seventeen-year-old Pranika Narayan of Labasa College proudly received her Duke of Edinburgh International Award bronze certificate at the Labasa Civic Centre yesterday after balancing her studies with the programme’s demands.

Pranika said she earned the award by completing all required activities, including physical recreation, skills development and community service.

“The award encourages young people to become actively involved in their communities,” she said. “It promotes youth engagement and teaches us to have passion for what we do.”

She said the 12-week programme required discipline and strong time management.

“Balancing schoolwork with the extra three hours a week was challenging,” she said. “Some weeks our schedules were disrupted, but we kept going because we wanted to achieve this award.”

For the community service component, Pranika and her group cleaned polluted areas.

“We picked rubbish and cleaned places that needed attention,” she said.

She said the physical recreation requirement helped build fitness and wellbeing.

“We chose activities that kept us physically active,” she said.

Pranika said the experience strengthened her personal growth and confidence, and taught her perseverance and responsibility — qualities she believes will guide her in the future.

“I want to thank my parents and teachers for supporting me,” she said.