‘Our children can finally study at home’

For years, families on Matuku have had to leave their island homes so their children could pursue education on Viti Levu. 

But that sacrifice, one that often emptied villages and strained families, may finally be a thing of the past.

Lincoln St John, a parent from Qalikarua Village, says the establishment of Matuku Secondary School has changed everything for families like his.

“My son is the only one from Qalikarua village studying at Matuku Secondary School,” Mr St John said. 

“Before, we used to take our children to Viti Levu to study. When they went, we went too — we took the whole family, and the village was left empty.”

He said living away from home was never easy, especially for families forced to rely on relatives for accommodation and support.

“Sometimes staying with relatives can be hard, and we don’t know what our children or families go through wherever they are,” he said.

“We thank God for an opportunity like this, the establishment of a secondary school here on the island.”

The new school, he said, means children can now receive a quality education close to home, under the care and guidance of their parents.

“It’s always a big thing when we send our children away to study,” he said. 

“Now, we have them here. We can look after them, monitor their education, and ensure their welfare.”

Mr St John said he was moved by the overwhelming turnout for Matuku Day celebrations yesterday, when villagers from all seven villages, as well as those from Viti Levu and overseas, raised $297,773.20 to help complete the school’s construction.

“We did not expect to have so many people come, even from America and Viti Levu, to give their hearts out towards education and the development of our school,” he said.

He also thanked Tui Matuku Ratu Lorima Niumataiwalu for his leadership and vision in making the long-awaited dream a reality.

“We hear so much about social issues on the mainland — drugs, peer pressure, and other challenges,” Mr St John said. 

“To have a school here on Matuku is a blessing. It keeps our children close, grounded in our values, and gives hope for a better future.”