Vernacular Studies Help Unite Fiji

The return of the Ratu Sukuna Day celebration will help unite Fijians, especially children, says Krishna Vedic Primary School head teacher Bimla Wati Singh.

She made the comment during the school’s Ratu Sukuna Day celebrations on Thursday.

“We are thankful to Government for bringing back the Ratu Sukuna Day holiday because it is not only about highlighting the life of a Fijian Statesman, but it helps teach our children about itaukei culture, tradition and way of life,” she said.

Krishna Vedic is one of the biggest multi-cultural primary schools in Nausori.

Krishna Vedic Primary has a long and rich history. It was built during the Colonial days to educate children of rice farmers.

Classes are from Year One to 8 with students from Kuku, Vunimono, Naduru, Vusuya, Namono, and surrounding areas.

The celebration, also attended by parents on Thursday, had displays of cultural items, speeches, and meke “Each class produced a cultural item.

It is encouraging to see the excitement in children of other races taking part in itaukei meke and skits.

Their outfits were produced by their parents. Ratu Sukuna Day brought all races together.

This is what Fiji needs now in the face of abuse of children and dangerous drugs.

“Events like Ratu Sukuna Day help children grasp and gain knowledge quickly.

Not only did they learn about this great man, his story inspired students to work hard because they want to be successful like him.

“Vernacular subjects are good for schools because children learn from each other and they will understand and respect each other.

The friendship they create at school will take them a long way.

The bond they will create has no boundaries including solving problems.

“We observe all holidays, especially the cultural ones because they help in teaching our children.”

Performances such as a boys’ meke wesi (men’s spear dance), lakalaka (women’s dance), dressed in traditional attire of the 14 Fijian provinces including the traditional method of addressing and dressing of a child from the family of the Tui Kuku (Kuku chief.)

Ms Singh calls on other schools to use the holiday to promote and teach vernacular and cultural values.

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