Good Samaritan donates pool, play centre to special school

Students at the Labasa School for Special Education are now enjoying new opportunities for learning, play and physical development after the school received a portable swimming pool and play centre worth $11,000.

The school is the only one in the Northern Division equipped with both facilities, which are designed to support outdoor learning and recreational activities for children with special needs.

The swimming pool and play centre was worth $11,000.

The donation was made by former Labasa resident Pravin Kumar and his family — Parleshni Lata, Avikesh Kumar, Praneet Kumar and Amka Wati.

The new facilities are expected to help students improve their physical development, social interaction and overall wellbeing through structured outdoor activities.

Mr Kumar, a businessman who has lived in New Zealand for the past nine years, said he wanted to do something different this year after regularly supporting the school with meal donations during visits home.

“Being brought up in Labasa, I always had this habit of passing by the school wondering what kind of life the students and teachers had,” Mr Kumar said.

“My parents have often taught me to give back to the community we lived and that’s why I chose to help this only special school in Macuata.”

The new facilities are expected to help students improve their physical development, social interaction and overall wellbeing through structured outdoor activities.

Labasa School for Special Education teacher Daiana Lewatu, while delivering the vote of thanks, acknowledged the family's continued support over the years.

“The swimming pool and play centre play an important role in creating an inclusive learning environment while encouraging students to participate in outdoor activities,” Mr Lewatu said.

“The facilities can also be used to support therapy, exercise and skills development programmes tailored to the needs of students.”

The school currently has 85 students.