New Nawaka College receives $10,000 support

The newly established Nawaka College in Nadi has received a $10,000 donation from its partner, Fantasy Island PTE Limited.

The company’s managing director, Abbas Ali, acknowledged Tui Nawaka Ratu Joeli Bulu Naevo for his commitment and vision in advancing education in the vanua of Nawaka.

Mr Ali said his association with the people of Nawaka was long-standing, noting that Ratu Joeli’s late father was a shareholder in the Fantasy Island company.

“We should be partners in the education of our children, especially in Nawaka,” Mr Ali said.

He said his relationship with the people of Nawaka and its chiefs dated back to the 1980s.

“When Tui Nawaka requested assistance, I was very happy to be considered part of the school once again,” he said.

Mr Ali said he taught at the former Nadi College in 1980 and later served on its board of governors before becoming its manager. The school was later handed over to the Government to begin technical education.

“I have seen children of Nawaka reach great heights. It is encouraging to see the Tui Nawaka making a strong effort to support education in the vanua of Nawaka,” he said.

“This is an example others should follow for their own children’s sake.”

Ratu Joeli thanked the company for its support, saying education required strong commitment from the Government, the community and its leaders.

He said the establishment of the college had been the vision of his late father, Ratu Apisai Derenalagi Naevo, and that the timing was right for it to be realised to cater for students from Nawaka District School.

“This fund will assist the new high school in the village,” Ratu Joeli said.

The college will serve not only Nawaka Village but also surrounding villages, including Vatutu, Evuna, Namulomulo and Tubeinasolo.

Ratu Joeli said funding support had also been requested from the Government and officials had advised it would be considered in the 2026–2027 budget.