Leader sets priorities: RKS head boy vows drug-free campus

Setting a firm tone from day one, newly inducted Ratu Kadavulevu School head boy Sairusi Vela has made it clear that drugs have no place at the prestigious Tailevu boarding school.

The 19-year-old from Degei House was among 101 prefects inducted at the Lodoni-based institution yesterday, stepping into leadership with a clear agenda.

Vela identified several challenges facing the school, including theft, vandalism and drug use.

"There are a few things that include theft, breaking of wooden suitcases that students place inside, usage of drugs in the school premises, and we will try to make sure this is eradicated from the premises," he said.

"Drugs is not good for our health, and we should not be attracted to it."

The Year 13 Pure Science student said student leaders would take greater responsibility to support teachers.

"Leadership to lift the burden from the teachers and put it on the student council," Vela said.

He thanked God for choosing him to lead one of Fiji's prominent boarding schools.

"I thank God for choosing me to be here to show my capability," he said.

Vela dedicated his achievement to his family and those who witnessed the induction ceremony.

"My family, mum and dad, and those who are present here to witness this day," he said.

A rugby enthusiast, he hopes to secure a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.

He is one of four siblings, with the rest still in primary school.

"I try to be a good model for the siblings to follow suit. My dad attended RKS too," Vela said.

"The journey they came here for and I want to go beyond their achievement to make our family name proud."

RKS caters for more than 1000 students from across Fiji and remains one of the country’s leading boarding schools in Tailevu.