EDITORIAL: Four Sisters Tell An Inspiring Story For All Of Us

One of the inspiring stories from the schools’ prizegiving is about the amazing four sisters who topped their classes and scooped academic prizes.

The eldest, Kajol Singh, 14, won the Year 8 dux award at Koroqaqa Primary School, Baulevu, Naitasiri. Her three sisters, Kristi Karishma Singh, 7, in Year 2; Di­pashna Diranjali, 11, in Year 6; and Jaslyn Jessica Sin­gh, 12, in Year 7 have all proved that there is no substi­tute for hard work.

They are blessed because they have dedicated, sup­portive and loving parents.

Despite their limited education, the parents, father Ram Sudesh Singh, 43, and mother Devina Devi, 38, were fully committed to the education of their chil­dren.

They did not just say it, but they did it too.

This is a story about a rural school and a rural family.

They have proved that in the quest for success location does not really matter. There seems to be a perception that urban schools always do better than rural schools because they have the best facilities and the best teach­ers. That’s no true. A couple of years ago Cicia High School caught many by surprise when they scored 100 per cent pass rate in their external exams.

Now the four sisters have shown that even in a rural setting, students can achieve excellence and success through dedication, hard work and sacrifice.

The Singhs have demonstrated that the family, as an institution, is fundamental to the education of a child. When the right environment is created in the home, it builds confidence and character.

It allows the children to learn and grow. The Singh’s parents must be commended for their commitment and sacrifice to ensure that their children will realise their full potential. They have proved that raising children must be holistic – meaning it takes into account all the factors that contribute to a child’s growth.

Among these factors is their girls’ academic pursuit. In the Singh’s household, education is top priority. Their whole life as a family revolves around it.

That means they will not allow anything to disrupt their study routine. Seven days a week the girls’ school work dominates the family activities.

At night, the parents spend valuable time with the children and help them in their homework and study.

Dux Kajol reveals that her parents helped her im­prove her mathematics. She says at night they would help her go through mathematical equations until she understands and remembers them.

Mum Ms Devi waits for the girls to arrive from school. She has refreshments ready for them.

They have time to rest before they hit the books again.

The Singhs do not have a magic wand.

They have a modest business and they have had their fair share of roller-coaster rides.

During these times, the Singhs have not lost sight of their goal. They firmly believe that a good education would lead to qualifications which in turn would open doors to new opportunities for jobs and business en­trepneurship.

Kajol wants to be an open heart surgeon. She under­stands that it will take years of study, work experience and continuing professional development to become a competent surgeon.

It is encouraging to note that at 14 she is thinking about the future and what her role will be.

She is thinking of her parents and sisters and how she could help them. Her vision is no doubt influenced by the teachings of her parents. They have encouraged her and her sisters not to settle for mediocrity.

Before achieving the top prize the girls used to come third and second. Their persistence paid off when they scooped the top prizes in four classes.

They are a wonderful example of an education-driven family which we can all learn from.