Year One Student Wins Constitution Day Comp

Six-year-old, Nes Natania Damudamu, only wanted her cousin and classmates to understand more about the simple handwashing steps that our leaders and health officials continuously promote.

So in sign language and a camera in front of her, the Gospel School for the Deaf student demonstrated the importance of the hygienic practice on video.

That video soon became viral earning little Nes the youngest winner of the 2020 Virtual Constitution Day Competition organised by the Office of the President.

The Year One student of Gospel School for the Deaf in Samabula is the only one in her class with the ability to speak.

She joined the school because of her cousin, Gloria Jckelin Soqosoqotabua, who is deaf and mute. The two are inseparable.

Nes is one of the five students to win the award which was announced on Constitution Day by President Major-General (Ret’d) Joji Konrote.

Nes’ mother, Emeline Naikalivou said COVID-19 did not discriminate and it did not matter whether a person was blind, deaf or mute.

“For me personally, as a parent, I thought that we could focus on COVID-19 and how we could promote inclusivity so that no Fijian is left out whether they are able-bodied or disabled in any way,” Ms Naikalivou said.

RAIJELI SAKARAIA

Another winner, Year Eight student of Bhawani Dayal Memorial Primary School, Raijeli Sakaraia, said the winning video was class effort.

“The video was on how all Fijians could work together to uphold every Fijians’ rights during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This right is enshrined in the 2013 Constitution.”

Bhawani Dayal Memorial School Year 8 student Raijeli Sakaraia 13 (front) with her classmates and teachers after winning the Virtual Constitution Day competition. Photo: Ronald Kumar

She said the students wrote their own pieces with her guidance.

Amini, 13, and Jone,12, said they were thankful to their parents for their endless support.

Amini’s mother said this was one of the proudest moments for her.

Ms Waqa who will soon be deployed to the Golan Heights said this is the best gift anyone could ask for.

“To see your children so young and are achieving great things, I’m happier because they have finally put TikTok to good use,” she laughed.

The pair hope to attend Queen Victoria School next year.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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