Tappoo-funded $26K Kindergarten Opens

The $26,000 state-of-the-art Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm Kindergarten will serve as a hub for early learning and play for children from Kavanagasau and surrounding communities.

The facility was made possible through the generous donation by the Tappoo Group of Companies; it was officially opened early this month.

The kindergarten is located about 18 kilometres from Sigatoka Town boosts the school roll which includes primary from Years One to Eight and College from Years Nine 10 to 13.

Head of school Jitendra Kumar, warmly welcomed guests and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Tappoo Group.

He highlighted the vital role the playcentre would play in nurturing the next generation, emphasising that education is not confined to classrooms but extends to spaces that inspire creativity and exploration.

“The grand opening of this Early Childhood Education (ECE) playcentre, is a significant development fostering quality education in the Nadroga Navosa education district,” Mr Kumar said.

A hub for learning

“This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for early learning and play for children from Kavanagasau and surrounding communities.”

The playcentre is a tribute to the late Tappoo Kanji, a pioneer student of the school and an instrumental figure in the Tappoo family’s legacy.

During the ceremony, Tappoo Group chairperson Kanti Tappoo, shared an emotional account of his family’s deep ties to the school, dating back to his father’s enrolment in 1933.

A symbol of family’s attachment to community

“This playcentre is not just a donation—it is a symbol of our family’s attachment to this community and a testament to the importance of early education,” Mr Tappoo said.

The Tappoo Group’s commitment to the school extends beyond this latest project.

Last year, the company donated Information Technology (IT) equipment worth $12,500, contributing to the development of the school’s computer lab.

This year, they had aimed to enhance the learning environment for the youngest students, further cementing their on-going support for the rural school.

Education Officer for Nadroga Navosa, Janice Nath echoed her sentiment, praising the Tappoo Group for their shared vision of nurturing lifelong learners.

“The playcentre will not only benefit the children of Kavanagasau but also reflect the Ministry of Education’s commitment to fostering innovation and quality education,” Ms Nath said.

“Early childhood education is the foundation upon which future learning is built, and this facility will provide a conducive and student-friendly environment.”

The Kavanagasau Kindergarten ECE playcentre is poised to play a transformative role in the lives of its young students, giving them the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, and physically in a nurturing space.

With the support of the Tappoo Group, the school management committee, and the Ministry of Education, the playcentre will become a cornerstone of community education.

The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, symbolising the collaborative effort behind this achievement and the community’s shared dedication to providing the best possible start for children.

Two in a row achievement

Meanwhile, Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharam Primary School’s, 100 per cent pass in last year’s Fiji Eighth Year Examination was a two in a row achievement.

Mr Kumar said the 100 per cent pass was also achieved in the 2022 Fiji Eighth Year Examination.

“The students’ achievement was through the dedication of teachers and parents working together.

Hardworking student, Lice Vuliasi from the Kavanagasau settlement had scored the highest mark.

He says the school will keep working hard as they need good support from the parents.

Mr Kumar said they had looked at all the weaknesses from 2023, and have worked accordingly to get quality marks again this year again.

Source: Tappoo Group of Companies