A Win Fuelled by Mother’s Resolve
More than 100 secondary schools took part in the competition with 600 essays submitted. The topic was about the Pacific Way in the concept that the Pacific region does things differently and in a unique way.
Thursday 24 October 2024 | 13:38
Adran Kumar holds his trophy alongside New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Alex Shahryar-Davies, Dr Satendra Singh (standing to his right), teachers, and family. at Sabeto College in Nadi. Photo: Mereleki Nai
Adran Kumar is grateful he listened to his mother’s encouraging words to enter the New Zealand-Fiji Secondary School Essay Competition 2024.
The Year 12 student from Sabeto College in Nadi was the supreme winner of the 16th essay competition.
At 17 years old, he was one of two students from the Western Division recognised for presenting the best essay.
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“Half way through writing my essay, I gave up and told my parents that I couldn’t do it,” he said.
“I was thinking of many more students around the country who write better than me. I thought it would be in vain to give my best in writing the essay and then it wasn’t successful.
“My mother encouraged me not to give up. She kept cheering me to continue and complete it.
“I am grateful I listened to my mother.”
More than 100 secondary schools took part in the competition with 600 essays submitted. The topic was about the Pacific Way in the concept that the Pacific region does things differently and in a unique way.
“I am so thankful for my teachers who made this success possible.”
He said contents of his essay were on eco-tourism and preserving the vanua.
“Whatever I thought I put down in writing. I think the significant of eco-tourism is that it shows the Pacific and the world who we are. In a way it preserves the Fijian culture, the tradition and the land.”
Adran plans to pursue his studies in medicine. He won $500 in cash, a laptop, and a certificate of recognition. One of the judges, Dr Satendra Singh, expressed his amazement at the high standard of writing in the competition.
“A good essay or article does not only attract but touches the hearts of the readers,” Mr Singh said.
Deputy High Commissioner of the New Zealand High Commission, Alex Shahryar-Davies, said they have been proud to support the essay competition for 16 consecutive years.
“It has been a wonderful opportunity for students across Fiji to contribute memorable in a form of an essay, to put their thinking skills and writing skills together and to take part in something that is informative and hopefully fun. Through this essay is a way that New Zealand and Fiji can share ideas and do things for the benefit of our people,” he added.
Certificates of recognition recipients are: Shresti Devi - Year 11, Kristina Kavita - Year 13, Shakshi Chand - Year 13 and Nitish Chand - Year 13.
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
