Female Cane Farmer, JP, Director Elected School Manager

Akisi Vinaka is the first woman to be elected as the manager of La­galaga Sanatan Primary School in Macuata.

Since the school was established in 1938, parents from seven zones have elected a male manager.

Ms Vinaka, 63, originally from Wainidrua Village, Macuata, was elected by the students’ parents from Lagalaga central zone last week.

Last month the mother of six chil­dren was also elected as the direc­tor of Labasa Cane Producers As­sociation.

She is also a sugarcane farmer, Justice of Peace (JP) and one of the landowners of Bukawaqa Village in Macuata.

“I would like to thank all the par­ents of the Lagalaga central zone for having faith in me,” Ms Vinaka said.

“After dropping out from Year 10 at Nadogo Secondary School I joined my parents in their sugar cane farm.”

The third eldest of six siblings said her ability to speak all three languages (iTaukei, English and Hindi) had enabled to build good relationships with many communi­ties in Macuata.

“My aim is to lift the standard of the school and empower women to break all barriers and achieve greater heights,” she said.

She strongly believed that women, be from rural or urban areas, de­served to be given equal opportu­nity as men in holding positions in communities and school.

The school is located 55 kilometers from Labasa Town.

Ms Vinaka is the only female member of the school management board.