‘Learning Their Native Language Important For Students’

It is vital for students to continue learning their native language, says the mother of the highest scorer for vernacular.

Seeing her daughter walk up the stage to receive a double award was something Camari Naiqara had never imagined.

Her daughter, Salanieta Nailagi, earlier this week, received the highest scorer award for Vosa Vaka Viti (Fijian language) and a leadership award for being a senior prefect at Waiqanake District School in Lami.

Ms Naiqara said learning vernacular was necessary for respecting elders.

“I am happy. I never thought she would receive an award,” Mrs Naiqara said.

“We live in a modern society now and most students are not focusing on vernacular.

“It’s important for children to learn vernacular because if they go back to their village, they will know how to approach the elders in an appropriate way.”

Ms Naiqara said learning English was not bad, but learning vernacular was also important and something that parents had to motivate their children to pursue. Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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