Nawai Student Scoops $1000 Prize

Despite living in the flood prone area of Nawai, Nadi, Merilyn Nishitha is determined to continue her home gardening project.

On Saturday she reaped the fruits of her hard work when she was declared the overall winner of a Micro-farm competition for children.

The Year 7 student of Nawai Public School was judged for top honours in a competition organised by the Voice of the Needy Foundation - a Nadi-based non-Government Organisation.

The competition was sponsored by Ambed Prasad from California, USA.

Ms Nishitha, 13, won $1000 prizemoney.

She said the competition made her spend more of her time in her small garden than on social media or watching at home.

“This initiative promotes healthy living for us children. I would like to thank the Voice of the Needy, our sponsor and also my parents for supporting me,” she said.

Her mother, Manju Dutt, an assistant principal of Nawai Secondary School, said her daughter had made a big difference in the small area of their compound.

“Our compound is a flood prone area. Her garden was affected by the flood, but she didn’t give up,” Mrs Dutt said.

Foundation president Minaz Ali said the initiative was a way to promote healthy living for children.

Other winners

The second place winner was Salihah Safiya Bi who received $750 and the third prize of $500 was awarded to Avish Lal.

Three other senior category winners were Shania Kumar, Amish Kumar and Sivorosi Bulaijamani who won $500.

The official competition started on July 24 last year and ended last week.

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