Ratu Mara Founded Scholarship Based On Equity: Adi Koila
Adi Koila said when the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara started the scholarship scheme for Lauan students, he did so based on Equity rather than equality.
Monday 15 March 2021 | 10:00
Yatulau Company Pte. Limited board Chairperson Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau (right) gives out scholarship package to Tahtiyana Taukei at Studio 6 on March 13, 2021. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Never forget that your indigenous culture is also your source of strength.
This was said by the chairperson for the Yatulau Company PTE Limited, Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau, while speaking during the Ratu Kamisese Mara Education Trust Fund scholarship handover on Saturday.
Adi Koila said when the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara started the scholarship scheme for Lauan students, he did so based on Equity rather than equality.
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“He understood that our needs as indigenous Fijians were not only in the classrooms but also within our villages and in our lands that we would have to focus on to truly succeed and have sustainability,” Adi Koila said.
“He wanted indigenous Fijians to have better employment opportunity yet to not lose sight of the learning of the land, Na Vanua in a rapidly developing world.”
Adi Koila said Ratu Sir Kamisese saw the need for formal education for indigenous students hence the founding of the trust fund scholarship.
These scholarships are awarded to students who are originally from the province from Lau, of which Ratu Sir Kamisese was paramount chief.
Recipient
Scholarship recipient, Tahtiyana Taukei wanted to study for Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), she knew that she had to try and get a scholarship to make it easier for her parents.
“It was always my dream to get into the medical field, but I was not able to get the toppers scholarship or TELS because after Year 12 I did foundation,” 18-year-old said.
“I always wanted to do MBBS and this scholarship will help me achieve my dream come true.
“I would like to thank the Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Education Trust Fund Management Board for giving me this opportunity.
“I feel that I am one step closer to achieving my dreams. This scholarship means a lot to me not only financially, but emotionally as well, as it has strengthened my belief that nothing is impossible with God.”
The former Jai Narayan College student said she was looking forward to completing her MBBS and give back to the province.
Eleven students were awarded the scholarship
Edited by Selita Rabuku
