Ex-pupil Rallies Support for Completion of Kindergarten Ground

The pre-school chil­dren in a remote vil­lage in the Sigatoka Valley had a surprise start to their school year when they recieved a new play­ground.

The project was made pos­sible through Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and its Execu­tive Chef, Shailesh Naidu, who is a former pupil of the Nadrala Sangam School.

The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s association with the Nadrala Sangam School began when Chef Naidu was invited by the school to attend its annual prefects’ induction.

“I could see they were try­ing their best to build a kin­dergarten but were strug­gling with finance,” he said.

“They needed this kinder­garten as local pre-school kids had to walk a very long way to attend one.

“I approached the resort general manager, Peter Hopgood, to discuss assis­tance in completing it and with strong support from the Nadrala community, Outrigger Fiji’s engineer­ing team finished construc­tion of the kindergarten.”

With the kindergarten completed, the resort’s engi­neering team again stepped in and helped to landscape the grounds and erect a fence and playground.

The playground equip­ment was sourced by Mr Naidu’s partner, Rita, through assistance from generous friends and fami­lies living in Sydney.

The school’s headteacher, Pranil Singh, said the fenc­ing and playground was a timely boost for the new academic year.

“Our enrolment has in­creased and we are thank­ful to Chef Naidu and the engineering team at Outrig­ger Fiji Beach Resort. These contributions are a proud moment for the community of Nadrala,” Mr Singh said.

Mr Hopgood was proud of Chef Naidu and his engage­ment with the school.

“Our culture at Outrigger Fiji is all about giving back to our local community and Chef Naidu has fully em­braced this ideology,” Mr Hopgood said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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