Rabuka commissions $48K playground for Vunayasi students

Students and teachers of Vunayasi District School have been inspired to use their new playground as an educational environment.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said it could serve as a facility that helps young men and women build their skills and natural talents while making a good name for the country.

Yesterday, he commissioned the new playground, which cost $48,790 and was funded through the Office of the Prime Minister.

The school was established in 1935 at its original village site and later relocated for safety. It has stood for nearly 90 years as a pillar of education in the district.

The Prime Minister noted that generations of Fijians have walked through its doors, with many going on to serve Fiji in various professions, including elite sports.

“Today, we celebrate another chapter in that history. “A chapter that strengthens the school’s role as a place of learning, growth, and opportunity,” Mr Rabuka said.

Speaking in iTaukei, he said, “Na vuli levu e tiko i loma ni rara’ which means great physical and mental education can be learned from the playing field.

He acknowledged the Mataqali Nadala for providing additional leased land for this playground, as well as Mataqali Ilovaravara and Mataqali Werelevu for the land that houses the school and kindergarten.

Their investment supports the school’s request for a dedicated recreational and sporting space that will encourage physical activity, improve mental well-being and create an environment where children can learn through play.

“In a land-scarce area like Nadi, your generosity is extraordinary. “You have given more than land - you have given opportunity to hundreds of children,” Mr Rabuka said.

“This playground will also support the Dratabu Kindergarten, the Dratabu Rugby Union, the Dratabu Netball teams, and other sporting groups that now have a safe place to train.

“This means children and athletes will no longer need to travel far for training sessions, saving time and strengthening community engagement.”

The school has a total of 309 students and 12 teachers. Students are from the entire community of Dratabu and the neighbouring villages.

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