PM tells Draiba students to build on school's presidential legacy

Draiba Primary School's unique legacy of producing three Presidents of Fiji should inspire its students to strive for greatness.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made the statement as he commissioned the school's new $104,000 multipurpose hall today.

Speaking at the commissioning in Nasese, Mr Rabuka said Draiba Primary was the only school in Fiji to have produced three Presidents of the Republic – the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, former president Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and former president Major General Jioji Konrote.

"What other school in Fiji has produced three presidents of the nation? If you didn't know this, I want you to keep it," Mr Rabuka told the gathering.

He said the achievement should inspire the school's 714 students, comprising 375 boys and 339 girls, to work hard regardless of their background.

"Their achievements remind every child gathered here today that greatness is not only determined by where you come from, but by the value you and your parents uphold," he said.

The Prime Minister's Office contributed $58,048.66 towards the project, while the school raised the remaining $46,000, board treasurer Rupeni Navunisaravi confirmed.

Mr Navunisaravi said the hall would ensure assemblies could continue during wet weather.

"Before this, if it was raining, then we have to rearrange the students," he said.

"We are grateful to the Prime Minister's office for giving us this project so that we can house the students during the assemblies, irrespective of the weather."

Mr Rabuka urged students to see the new hall as more than just a building.

"Buildings alone do not transform nations. They become transformational when they enable children to acquire knowledge, to develop character... and to pursue excellence," he said.

He said the new facility would be used for assemblies, sports and cultural programmes, benefiting the entire school community.